Supporting Open Source

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Open innovation for the modern library

Open source for libraries is about more than just cost-savings. It’s about empowering the library community to have a voice in our future. When librarians, vendors and developers work together to share ideas and design solutions, more innovation can happen.

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Why Open Source?

  • Flexible

    With open source, you aren’t locked into any one vendor or system. Choose the applications that best fit your needs.

  • Extensible

    Because the code is freely available, anyone can build upon the software, creating and sharing new features and leveraging APIs.

  • Cost-Effective

    Open source software is completely free for libraries. The only cost is to cover staff and hosting/server expenses.

  • Community-Powered

    Unlike closed systems, open source reflects the goals of the library community, not just one proprietary vendor.

How EBSCO supports open source

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Contributions to open source projects such as the FOLIO Library Services Platform

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Integrations with open source ILS vendors such as Koha and Evergreen

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Integrations with open source discovery interfaces such as Blacklight and VuFind

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Active participation in the Open Library Foundation

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Many other open source partnerships and collaborations

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EBSCO is the logical partner… They are powerful advocates for both open source and open access. The Koha community is excited to have their involvement and strong support.

— Sebastian Hierl, Ph.D., Drue Heinz Librarian of the Academy in Rome
Part of the Koha Gruppo Italiano

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FOLIO: The Future of Libraries is Open

The FOLIO project is a community collaboration of libraries, vendors and developers coming to together to build an open source library services platform (LSP). EBSCO is a proud participant, providing funding and expertise.

Learn more about FOLIO and get involved