Open Source Web Applications for Libraries - Softcover

Karen A. Coombs; Amanda J. Hollister

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1573874000 ISBN 13: 9781573874007

Publisher: Information Today, Inc., 2010

Synopsis

Interest in open source software has never been stronger, yet a general lack of information about specific tools and benefits along with nagging concerns about dependability and support has hampered adoption in libraries. In Open Source Web Applications for Libraries, authors Coombs and Hollister address these issues and provide librarians with guidance on a range of applications that can be used to improve reference services, instruction, and outreach to library users.

In addition to explaining the use, installation, and configuration of such popular resources as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and MediaWiki, the authors cover library-specific open source applications such as SubjectsPlus, Blacklight, VuFind, and SOPAC. They compare and contrast the applications, describing key features, strengths, and weaknesses in order to help librarians make informed decisions. Numerous real-world examples illustrate how different types of libraries are using open source web applications today.

About this title

About the Author

Karen A. Coombs is a librarian and geek coder with an interest in mashups, web services, and library websites and interfaces. Currently she is the product manager for the OCLC Developer Network, a community of developers collaborating in a 'sandbox' environment in order to propose, discuss, and test OCLC web services. Prior to joining OCLC, Karen worked part time as a web application specialist for LISHost and as a library web technology consultant. She has an MLS and an MS in information management from Syracuse University. Karen has presented at many national and international conferences and written articles for a variety of journals. With Jason Griffey, she is the co-author of the book Library Blogging. In 2009, Karen was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker.

Amanda J. Hollister is librarian, photographer, and coder interested in web applications, open source software, and ebooks. She is currently the web application specialist for LISHost. Prior to joining LISHost, Amanda served as the web services librarian at State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland, where she was responsible for the development and maintenance of the library website and virtual presence. Amanda frequently teaches and presents at Internet Librarian and Computers in Libraries and recently co-taught a LITA preconference on open source content management systems at ALA. She has a PhD in biology from Binghamton University and a MSLIS from Syracuse University

Edition details

• Publisher: Information Today, Inc.
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1573874000
• ISBN 13: 9781573874007
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280