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Open Source Software to Support Distance Learning Library Services

SUMMARY Interest in the open source software model as a means of developing software for the library community has developed considerably in the last few years. Fortunately, much of the software that has been developed for libraries can be used to provide extended library services to distance learning students. This article provides an overview of both the open source software movement and how that movement relates to providing library services. In addition to describing some software packages that related to specific areas of service for distance learning students, the article includes some guidelines for distance learning librarians to consider when making a choice to use open source software packages.