Bisson engagingly narrates the history of open source, explains how the OSS movement came about, details key players in OSS development, and discusses why and how open source can work for libraries.

The open source software movement has entered the library automation industry. This Library Technology Report is an overview of this new aspect of the library automation industry and provides detailed information about the major open source integrated library systems and the companies that support them. In this issue, Marshall Breeding details the differences between using an open source approach to that of using conventional proprietary software for automated operations. Breeding's report can help answer that question as well as defines open source and provides an overview of the various...

In this issue of Library Technology Reports, virtual world virtuoso Joe Sanchez takes us beyond a mere exploration of Second Life and looks at the history of virtual worlds and how educators have used them as tools for learning in the twenty-first century. Sanchez extensively and objectively explores the pros and cons of using Second Life for both educators and librarians, and a chapter guest-authored by LIS student Jane Stimpson examines several examples of public libraries who have established a Second Life presence.

In the past fifteen years, the World Wide Web has become such a major part of the library world that most libraries now have some presence on the Web. This issue of Library Technology Reports explores the idea of the digital brancha library website that is a vital, functional resource for patrons and enhances the librarys place within its community. The report outlines an efficient process for creating a digital branch, from the initial phases of gathering information and sketching out a design, to winning approval from management, hiring qualified IT staff, and maintaining and upgrading the...

Library Technology Reports, November/December 2009 (45:8) Featured in the January 2010 Computers in Libraries "Books to Check Out" column by Deborah Poulson. Libraries are increasingly demanding the ability to exploit their library systems (LIS) using application programming interfaces (APIs), Web services, or other technologies. This issue of Library Technology Reports explores how vendors of open source library technology are approaching this desire for customization plus an in-depth exploration of trends towards APIs, Web services, and the service-oriented architecture. Topics Covered in...

Library data has been designed to be read and interpreted by the librarians and users who are the end users of the catalog. Today's data, however, needs to be managed and interpreted by computers and integrated into myriad applications that are part of the growing web of services on the Internet. In particular, the Semantic Web technologies being developed put a new emphasis on linking data from disparate sources. To be part of the linked data network, the library world needs to transform its catalog records into true data.

In this issue of Library Technology Reports, eminent blogger and library technology expert Jason Griffey provides a comprehensive guide to the present and future of modern gadgets, and how they can fit in to any librarian's plan for a high-tech future. From e-readers to cameras and audio recorders to the iPad, Jason provides insight into what these devices can do, how much they cost, and how librarians can use them to enhance their facilities and service.

If your job involves working with digital content, your need to make sense of interoperable digital information by managing resources with care and quality metadata and by connecting users to resourcesand resources to resourcesis greater than ever. In this issue of Library Technology Reports, Michael Witt helps you do just that. If you are an Electronic Resources Librarian, Digital Archivist or work with Digital Catalogs in any capacity, this report is a must-read for you.

Library Technology Reports, July 2010 (46:5) From the time that personal computers became ubiquitous, there's been no shortage of "the next big thing" in technology. While some new technologies do prove to be revolutionary, there are plenty that flame out very quickly. Librarians often work with limited financial resources, so when a library invests in a new technology, staff must be confident that they are committing money and effort to something that will be useful in the long-term rather than to an idea with a lot of hype. In the July 2010 issue of Library Technology Reports, Char Booth...

In the new issue of Library Technology Reports, Jill E. Grogg and Rachel A. Fleming-May present a review of the state of the art of electronic resources use measurement, highlighting the importance of presenting clear and meaningful measurement of electronic resources use in research, assessment, and standards creation. They explore the nature of current standards, tools, and initiatives for measuring and reporting electronic resources usage.