Open source, crowd source: harnessing the power of the people behind our libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the use of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies so that librarians can combine open source software with user‐generated content to create a richer discovery experience for their users.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a description of the current state of integrated library systems (ILS) and the developments with Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies, examples are given of library suppliers and libraries which are making use of these technologies.

Findings

Libraries are moving away from the traditional, vendor‐sourced library catalogue software in favour of open source software that can be tailored to meet the community's needs by the people who are most familiar with those needs: library staff. Open source products and some vendor products outside the traditional ILS market allow libraries to pool data created by users: tags, reviews, comments. This allows the smallest libraries to harvest richer data than those of their own communities.

Originality/value

The paper provides a “snapshot” of current developments in this fast‐moving area.

Citation

Trainor, C. (2009), "Open source, crowd source: harnessing the power of the people behind our libraries", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 288-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330910978581