[Publib] Announcement: Open Source In Libraries Website

[Allen D. Tate]

** Apologies for cross-posting. **

On March 31, 2008, I will be launching the website Open Source In 
Libraries. The primary goal of this project is to help libraries discuss 
and freely use open source software to suit their needs. You are all 
welcome to join this community and help it grow. This is a "we" thing, 
not a "me" thing. Please visit the website and become a member of this 
new community. It's free for everyone. There's also an email listserv 
you can join. Lets all work together!

Website: http://www.opensourceinlibraries.com
Listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/opensourceinlibraries

The following quote courtesy of Jeff Humphrey:

"Open source software is free in the sense that it grants freedom to the 
user through the absence of proprietary control. Though much open source 
is available without licensing fees, this does not necessarily include 
liberation of price. The open source model shifts most of the costs from 
acquisition to operations and maintenance.

One of the best things about open source software is that the code is 
made available to everyone to modify as they see fit. This allows users 
to develop the program or make changes to suit their needs even if a 
project is totally abandoned by the original creator. With open source, 
we are no longer at the mercy of closed source vendors with their forced 
upgrades and compatibility issues.

Open source is about community where usability takes priority over 
profitability. Enhancements are shared for the benefit of all users. Bug 
fixes are the result of users pulling together and are often resolved 
much faster than a closed source patch, saving organizations time and 
money."
-- 
Allen D. Tate
Head of Computer Services
Ohio Township Public Library System
4111 Lakeshore Dr
PO Box 850
Newburgh, IN 47629
(812) 853-5468 x 313

http://www.ohio.lib.in.us/ (Library Home Page)
http://www.linuxinlibraries.com/ (Linux In Libraries)

The views expressed in this message are not necessarily
those of the Ohio Township Public Library System.