Gone Open Yet?

After spending decades automating libraries with proprietary software solutions, the author decided the business model is flawed, resulting in libraries stagnating at a time they should be accelerating. A possible solution exists in open source software solutions and the author outlines the reasons for the explosion of open source software and his move to support the development. The article examines the advantages, disadvantages and misconceptions that exist about open source software and concludes with a call for libraries to examine and form their own conclusions on this exciting new option that is available to their organizations. Parts of this article were first presented as a talk at the ILS Symposium organized by Lincoln Trail Libraries System in September 2007. Some other portions are from the author's blog located at www.care‐affiliates.com/thoughts.