Author:
Andrew McHugh
DCC Advisory Services Manager, DCC and HATII, University of Glasgow (UK)

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Note: Opinions expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily represent the views of the DCC or the Partner Institutions.

Abstract:

The Open Source software philosophy has at its very core the principles of freedom, transparency, longevity and reusability. From a digital curation perspective these are all desirable characteristics for our information infrastructures. Therefore, the role that Open Source software can play must be fully explored, and where appropriate, it must be exploited. Typical scenarios will include the creation of new repositories and tools using an Open Source development and distribution methodology and the promotion and use of existing Open Source products ahead of their proprietary equivalents.

Key Points:

• Overview of the Open Source development model
• Overview of the Open Source distribution model
• Licensing issues
• Preservation through transparency
• Example applications

Related Instalments:

• Investment in an Intangible Asset
• Copyright & Other Legal Restrictions
• Costs
• File Formats
• Freedom of Information
• Interoperability
• Metadata
• Preservation Strategies
• Policy
• Workflow