The Free Software Alternative: Freeware, Open Source Software, and Libraries

Authors

  • James Edward Corbly

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v33i3.5105

Abstract

Abstract: This paper will introduce the reader to the world of freeware and open source software. Following a brief introduction, the author presents an overview of these types of software. Next comes a discussion of licensing issues unique to freeware and open source software, which leads directly to issues of registration. The author then offers several strategies readers can adopt to locate these software packages on the Web. The author then addresses questions regarding the use of freeware and open source software before offering a few closing thoughts.

 

Author Biography

James Edward Corbly

James E. Corbly has been studying freeware and open source software for over a decade.  He successfully employed them while serving as the Director of the Scheele Memorial Library at Concordia College - New York (Bronxville, New York) and the Director of Library Services at the Memorial Library of Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina, Kansas).  Since 2010, an increasing number of information professionals from several disciplines have become aware of Mr. Corbly’s work with these software packages and his reputation has grown accordingly.  Over the last two years alone, he has delivered three major addresses on these types of software: first, at Campus Technology 2012 (Boston, MA - July 16, 2012); secondly, at the Kansas Library Association-College and University Libraries Section Fall Conference (Dodge City, KS - October 5, 2012); and finally, a return engagement to Campus Technology 2013 (Boston, MA - July 30, 2013).  Mr. Corbly makes his home in Austin, Minnesota.

References

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Downloads

Published

2014-09-25

How to Cite

Corbly, J. E. (2014). The Free Software Alternative: Freeware, Open Source Software, and Libraries. Information Technology and Libraries, 33(3), 65–75. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v33i3.5105

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Communications

License

Copyright (c) 2015 Information Technology and Libraries

Creative Commons License

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