Open Source, the ILS, and the Opportunity of Engagement Randy Metcalfe eIFL.net
May 16, 2015
Open Source, the ILS, and the Opportunity of Engagement
Randy Metcalfe
eIFL.net
In this talk
• Overview of what FOSS is and its possible significance
• FOSS in/for libraries• Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• Engagement
• eIFL‐FOSS ILS project• Questions and contact details
Randy Metcalfe
• eIFL‐FOSS Program Manager
• eIFL.net
(Electronic Information For Libraries)
• Working with national library consortia in 48+ developing and transition countries
• eIFL.net
programs: IP, OA, FOSS, Negotiations, Consortium Building, Knowledge Sharing
http://www.eifl.net/
FOSS
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS):• Freedom to run the program for any purpose
• Freedom to study how the program works and adapt it
to your needs
• Freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your
neighbour
• Freedom to improve the program and release your
improvements to the public so that the whole
community benefits
It starts with a licence
• Software begins as text• Text is copyright• A copyright licence sets out the conditions of
use
• A permissive licence can be crafted to sustain and promote the freedom to run, study,
adapt, redistribute, and modify the original text or source code
It becomes a community
• FOSS is software released under a permissive licence
• FOSS is usually developed in an open and communal fashion
• FOSS may be accessed and deployed at no cost
• FOSS is typically supported by a community of users and developers
• Enterprise‐level FOSS is also typically supported by companies, small and large, that will provide support
contracts
The significance of FOSS
• Access to the source code enables us to learn from the work of others
• Freedom to modify the code enables us to build on the work of others
• Freedom to distribute our modified code allows the process of learning and growth to be iterative
• Natural tendency toward communal development to leverage efficiency from shared goals
FOSS in Libraries
• Web servers (Apache)
• Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Operating system (Linux)
• Web browser (Firefox)
• Content management system (Drupal, Plone)
• Learning management system (Moodle, Sakai)
FOSS for Libraries
• Institutional repositories (Dspace, ePrints, Fedora)
• Digital collections (Greenstone)• Integrated library system (Evergreen, Koha,
NewGenLib, ABCD)
• Resolvers
(CUFTS)
• OPAC (VuFind, Blacklight, Fac‐Back‐Opac)
FOSS impact on libraries
engagement
use
Integrated Library System
• Cornerstone of any modern automated library• Cataloguing• Circulation• Acquisitions• Patron management• Serials• OPAC
• Prominent proprietary offerings available• Licence fee• Limited flexibility• Pace of change• Support
Attraction of a FOSS ILS
• Cost• No licence fee
• Communal and/or commercial support• Vibrant user community of librarians helping each
other
• Commercial support for migration and maintenance, if
required
• Localization (i.e. language of interface)• Adaptability
Challenge of a FOSS ILS
• Cost• Real costs (e.g. staff, hardware) do not change• May require greater staff commitment (depending on
level of engagement)
• Communal support may require new skills• Commercial support limited?• Adaptability: “We are librarians, not software
developers!”• Change costs
Engagement
• Full engagement as a co‐developer of your ILS is not for everyone, nor need it be
• Find the level of engagement that is right for you
• Your level of engagement is not
tied to your use of commercial support
Tips for engagement
1. You are a member of a community
2. Be a patient, participant‐observer
3. Read the available documentation
4. Join the user mailing list and read the mail
archive
5. Learn how to ask a question first
6. Help others when you can
eIFL‐FOSS: the program
• Advocates FOSS use in libraries• Raises awareness and understanding of FOSS• Facilitates engagement with FOSS development
communities
• Undertakes projects to deploy FOSS solutions, enhance skills, and build capacity
Projects
• ILS project• Greenstone Support Network• LTSP documentation
• Skills and tools enhancement workshops
ILS Project
• Piloting and evaluating 2 FOSS ILSs
(Koha
and Evergreen) in 7 countries:
• Armenia
• Georgia• Palestine• Nepal• Mali
• Malawi
• Zimbabwe
Engagement in practice
• Email discussion lists
• IRC channels• Localization• Problem solving
• Ongoing support
Teamwork
Localization
Fundamental Scientific Library of the National Academy of Sciences, Armenia
Project learning points
• Learning how to ask for help on the email lists• Cultural barriers• Linguistic barriers• Technical limitations
• Some skills and tools use in the FOSS community are taken for granted
• Easier to gain new skills as part of a team• Contributing code developments can be even harder
than learning how to ask for help
• Time is a finite resource
Takeaways
• Knowledge of what FOSS is and what it means
• Appreciation that FOSS has a key role in and for libraries
• There are viable FOSS ILSs• You determine your own level of engagement
with a FOSS ILS project
• You are part of community, and there is help available if you ask for it (nicely)
Questions?
Further information
• eIFL.net
http://www.eifl.net/
• eIFL‐FOSS http://www.eifl.net/cps/sections/services/eifl‐foss• Blog
http://www.eifl.net/cps/sections/services/eifl‐foss/foss‐blog
• Email list http://www.eifl.net:8080/mailman/listinfo/eiflfoss
• Email: randy.metcalfe[@]eifl.net
Photo credits: all photos by Randy Metcalfe, used with permission.