Chapter 3: Current Open Source Software Products

Abstract

In a time where an economic downturn and concerns about climate change are influencing decisions, many libraries are looking for ways to save money and to reduce their impact on the environment. This report provides detailed information about the operating systems, software, and approaches used by three libraries and one academic institution that have implemented open source public workstations. It explains how open source operating systems and applications, when installed on appropriate hardware, can decrease power utilization while providing a reliable and satisfying customer experience. It will help library decision makers who want to find out about alternatives to Microsoft Windows-based PCs running Microsoft Office, not only as a means of cutting costs or reducing a carbon footprint, but also as a means of providing a better experience for library customers.