Evaluating Open Source Software for Use in Library Initiatives: A Case Study Involving Electronic Publishing

This article discusses best practices for evaluating open source software for use in library projects, based on the authors' experience evaluating electronic publishing solutions. First, it presents a brief review of the literature, emphasizing the need to evaluate open source solutions carefully in order to minimize Total Cost of Ownership. Next, it describes the process used to conduct a comparative evaluation between two open source electronic publishing systems, highlighting aspects of the methodology not described elsewhere. Finally, it concludes with a discussion of reporting the results of an evaluation to decision-makers.