The digital library in the bazaar
OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives
ISSN: 1065-075X
Article publication date: 1 April 2006
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles that libraries play in the development of open source software.
Design/methodology/approach
Analyses how the use of open source software implies freedom and flexibility for libraries.
Findings
This column is simply exploratory, and proposes the motivation for libraries to be more actively involved in the open source movement.
Practical implications
As libraries are also involved in discussions regarding open access publishing and open standards for metadata and protocols, so should they take a more active role in the testing and development of open source software. Taking this role will not only assist libraries in the furtherance of important digital projects but extend the primary activities of librarianship in general.
Originality/value
One of the values of this column is to present, via the convergence of the open initiatives, a motivation for libraries to be more actively involved in the open source movement as an extension of traditional librarianship and as an enhancement to the digital projects and services they are already engaged in.
Keywords
Citation
Fox, R. (2006), "The digital library in the bazaar", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 100-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750610663978
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited