It’s Free!! Open Source Tools For Online Reference

Tamara Remhof, MLSTexas A&M University-Commerce

Objectives

Define Open SourceExplain why libraries should use

itIntroduce what is availableDemonstrate some examples

What Is Open Source?

Open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

Examples of Open Source Software GNU Project — “a sufficient body of free

software”. Joomla — content management system Linux — operating system based on Unix Mediawiki — wiki server software, the software

that runs Wikipedia Moodle — course management system Mozilla Firefox — web browser OpenOffice.org — office suite Stockfish — chess engine series, considered to

be one of the strongest chess programs of the world

WordPress — content management system — blog software

Why Should Libraries Use It?

Distance Education/Online classes

Quickly Answers Some QuestionsYoung Technology Savvy

Customers

What To Use

Social NetworkingWikis and BlogsSoftware

Social Networking

FacebookTwitterMySpace

Social Networking

Advantages Disadvantages

Great PRLink to it from

homepageEasy to useEverybody’s on it!

Must be checked dailyKeeping it currentControlling access

Wikis and Blogs

WikipediaPBwikiHuffington PostGoogle Blogger

Wikis and Blogs

Advantages Disadvantages

InformativeAllows

discussion/commentsWeb basedFree!

Set up takes timeKeeping currentMust know about it to

use it

Software

Hot Potatoes◦http://hotpot.uvic.ca/

Jing◦http://www.techsmith.com/

jing/

Software

Advantages Disadvantages

Free!CustomizableProfessional looking

Not open-sourceNeed someone who’s

computer savvyLimited on what it

doesMay not be

compatible

Questions?

Tamara RemhofLibrary Services Coordinator

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Metroplex Center

Tamara_Remhof@TAMU-commerce.edu

972-882-7537

http://tjremhof.pbworks.com/