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"This is a plan for a multi-national, multi-institutional discovery environment built on Linked Open Data principles.  If instantiated at several institutions, will demonstrate to end users the value of the Linked Data approach to recording machine operable facts about the products of teaching, learning, and research.  The most noteworthy advantage of the Linked Open Data approach is that it allows the recorded facts, in turn, to become the basis for new  discovery environments. This model includes the basic functions of generating, harvesting, and iteratively reconciling URIs as well as consumption of Linked Data."

March 2011, Vol. 31 Issue 2, p 6 - 10 The article focuses on the use of the open source platform VuFind to create the MnPALS Plus discovery solution which extracts bibliographic data from the shared integrated library systems (ILS) of the 25 2-year colleges and seven state universities belonging to the PALS program of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Information on the history of the PALS operation is provided. The features of VuFind are also described.

"The author reports on plans for some of the public libraries which are part of the Health Sciences Libraries Consortium to start using the Evergreen open source integrated library system (ILS). Topics discussed in the article include plans that exist to eventually have all public libraries in Pennsylvania to use Evergreen, predictions that have been made regarding the number of libraries which will start to use the system and benefits associated with the system."

"One of the scripts which I wrote as a mashup demonstration used the New York Times Bestseller API to add Best Seller indicators and links to a full record screen being generated via data from the WorldCat Search API. Michael Beccaria at Paul Smith College in upstate NY has taken my prototype script and revamped and incorporated it into their VuFind powered library catalog."

In 2008, seven Michigan public libraries migrated to Evergreen, an open source integrated library system developed by the George Public Library Service. The Michigan Library Consortium and Grand Rapids Public Library provided the support, training, networking, and system administration for the system. This article examines the reasons for implementing an open source system and the challenges to running and sustaining it.

"The article evaluates several open source integrated library system products, including Koha, Evergreen, OPALS and NewGenLib."

"The article looks at the development of library technology, focusing on library automation, integrated library systems (ILS), and the use of open source software. Additional topics discussed include the competition between supports of ILS and proprietary library services vendors, the decreases in library finance, and litigation between library service companies over the violation of antitrust laws. The author also presents several profiles of companies engaging in library automation services, such as Auto-Graphics, BiblioCommons, and Cuadra Associates."

"In this article, the author explores some patterns in how perceptions and misperceptions about Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS) form and guide decision making in libraries in the U.S. The author hopes to rectify some of these misperceptions because they can get in the way of making good decisions. He explains some considerations about the use of FLOSS. In addition, the author discusses the role of software vendors and consultants in addressing the misperceptions. He also discusses the benefits of using FLOSS."

"Reports on the use of open source software by libraries, in the United States. How open source software works and why there are advantages in utilizing it; Details of library-related software programs such as Prospero and GNU Jointly Administered Knowledge Environment. INSET: What Is `Open Source'?."

"In this article the author discusses aspects of the automation and electronic data industry in a library setting. He investigates a number of factors including the use of automated library systems, advanced electronic library catalogues and databases and the application of open source computer programming. The article analyzes sales trends in library data systems for the period 2003-07."

"The author focuses on the use of technology in libraries to ease the impact of the global economic crisis. He notes that several libraries have documented significantly reduced costs through the use of open source software. He cites that the investments in redesigning a Web site and information delivery tools of a library can make an improvement in the perceptions of library users. He asserts that the creative use of technology can offer relief for the challenging budget of the library by opening up opportunities to generate income."

"This article highlights the benefits of open source databases for businesses and libraries. No matter what size your library is, databases play an important role in providing services. The reason for this is simple: libraries exist to organize information, and databases make it easy to store and retrieve information. Setting up and maintaining open source databases is easier than most people realize. Not too long ago, only systems experts had the skills to install and use a database server. Nowadays, graphical tools have made it a snap to administer databases in a production setting. Open source products are widely used and do not require you to pay licensing fees, so chances are you will be able to apply what you learn in a variety of setting. There is an excellent chance that existing open source products contain all the functionality you need--that is why millions of people, businesses, and libraries use them. The learning curve for open source database is about the same as for most types of software. Because so many people use them, it is easy to find someone who can help you when you encounter challenges. Once you have created your first database, you may discover that you can improve services, gather statistics, or help staff in just a few minutes."

"The article presents options for libraries on the type of software to use to gain access on the web. For libraries without money or technical staff, the author recommends free and inexpensive Web 2.0 options. The programs are usually free or demand a small fee and require a few technical knowledge. For libraries with technical staff but less money, the open source option is suggested. No cash is needed but the program requires more technical skills and staff time. Buying software is a choice if the library has the cash."