01229nas a2200121   4500008004100000022001400041245004300055210003900098260004200137520087600179100001601055856003601071       2008                        eng d  a1913-610200aIs Open Source Right for your Library?0 aOpen Source Right for your Library  aOttawabTalent First Networkc08/20083 aWe all know that feeling in our gut, that moment when it?s time to sign the order for a new software program for your library. It's accompanied by a host of nagging questions: "Is it the right decision?" "Have we overlooked anything?" "Will this work?" "Have we considered all our options?" The decision to acquire or upgrade a library automation package is never an easy one and every director, when faced with this decision, wants to choose the best package at the best value that most fully meets the needs of users. Today, that decision is complicated by a new option, that of open source.

This article will examine when and why open source software (OSS) might be appropriate for your library. It also discusses why so many libraries are moving towards OSS and some of the disadvantages that you should be aware of should you decide to move in that direction. 
 1 aGrant, Carl  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/177