This book has been written by two librarians with a wealth of experience in the use of open source web applications to meet the changing needs of libraries. Their motivation for writing Open Source Web Applications for Libraries was the lack of knowledge among colleagues about the open source tools available and the general feeling of fear and uncertainty about such software. The focus of the book is on smaller, innovative applications which can be installed in around 15 minutes or less.
The book starts by discussing the basics: an overview of the open source licensing model; the development process; and the culture of open source. The following chapters deal with more technical considerations: the LAMP stack is the subject of chapter 2 and chapter 3 provides an overview of hosting options. The remainder of the book examines various types of software, namely blogs and wikis, content management systems, references and instruction tools and resource discovery tools. In each case, a number of alternative tools are discussed and comparisons made between the different options. In each case, the authors explain how to install, customise and administer the software, highlighting features which are likely to be of particular interest to libraries. There are examples of how each tool has been used in practice across all library sectors.
Personally, I found the last two sections of the book, on reference and instruction tools and resource discovery tools, by far, the most interesting and original. There are other resources which can guide librarians interested in the more common types of open source software, but descriptions of tools designed to meet the specific needs of libraries are largely absent. Coombs and Hollister describe software such as Assignment Calendar which supports students writing research papers; a number of federated search tools; and NextGen catalogues. The strength of these chapters lies in the fact that they are not simply technical descriptions, but are based around the way in which the tools have been used in practice by libraries.
Open Source Web Applications for Libraries is clearly set out and the authors present even the more technical information in an accessible and readable way. Of course, one weakness of any book dealing with such a fast moving field is the speed at which details may change as software is updated and developed. However, anyone looking for guidance and inspiration for ways to make the most of open source software in a library setting would benefit from reading this book.
