The bulk of the book details the history, technical aspects, licensing issues, and major service providers of open source digital repositories, discovery layers, resource sharing platforms, and electronic-resource-management software. Specific examples of library organizational experiences with different systems provide practical insider information... This book is an even-handed overview of past and current open source library management systems, backed up by extensive references. They caution about implementing and supporting such software, but also note trends that make open source solutions less risky nowadays. The technical aspects of this book are not for the faint-hearted, but librarians will be better informed about this important management decision as a result of reading it.

Booklist

Wilson and Mitchell provide the most comprehensive survey of open source (OS) library systems to date…. The clear strength of this work is its detailed analysis of the various OS platforms. Because it weighs the strengths and weaknesses of major OS offerings, the volume will prove valuable for libraries considering a move to an OS system or tool. It offers practical deployment considerations and nuanced historical contexts for each platform discussed. Recommended. Graduate students and professionals.

Choice Reviews

Wilson and Mitchell provide big picture thinking about open source as well as practical, hands-on options libraries have when navigating the world of choices available now. As the traditional software markets shrink and the OSS flourish, every library thinking about their next generation of tools will want to read this.

Tricia Racke Bengel, Ingram Library Services, sales & services manager

Open Source Library Systems: A Guide should be required reading for anyone considering an ILS, Digital Repository, Discovery, Resource Sharing, or E-Resource Management system change.

Rob Ross, executive director of NC LIVE

A wonderfully inclusive, accessible, and forward-looking introduction to the universe of open source library systems. Writing for experts and general library science practitioners alike, Wilson and Mitchell elegantly demystify open source and demonstrate its vital importance to the future of libraries.

Michael Rodriguez, collections strategist, University of Connecticut Library

For libraries looking to replace existing technology or looking for new solutions, whether for ILS, digital repositories, discovery, ERM, etc., this is the essential guide. Authors Mitchell and Wilson provide a comprehensive review of the concepts, history, current state, and future directions of open source software (OSS) in libraries along with useful advice for software evaluation. Among these I note, 'An individual or organization must evaluate the ecosystem around an application,' which we have found to be of upmost importance. A better one-stop guide cannot be imagined!

Walter Stine, executive director, Fenway Library Organization