This weeks topic, open source software, isn't something I've had much experience with. The following is what I see as the advantages and disadvantages of this software, based on what I've read and know about it:
Advantages: a less expensive means to run an e-reserve service, doesn't require staff members to devote as much time to in-house development, allows libraries to pool their resources and technical experience, programmers can work together to make a more complete version of a document (rather then everyone re- producing the same work over and over).
Disadvantages: it's not the easiest software to set up and maintain, there's no requirement for the original developer of the site to resolve any problems that happen to pop up.
Overall, it sounds like a useful system (... as long as you know enough about the program to solve minor problems yourself).
Good post. A new development of particular interest for libraries, in that OSS can now come with development support (for a fee). So it might make OSS more expensive, but it solves the issues with set up and development.
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