The State of Open Source Software in North Carolina School Media Centers

by Gill, Pushpinder K.

This paper explores the open source movement as it applies to integrated library systems (ILS) in the state of North Carolina. A review of the open source movement is provided as well as the pros and cons of adopting such a system at the school media level. A convenient sample of six school media centers in North Carolina was sampled and their school media specialists were interviewed regarding the current ILS. Results demonstrated that none of the systems currently in use were open source nor did there appear to be a great need for open source adoption. Suggestions are given to foster open source adoption at the state level.