Open source software collaborations in Tennessee's regional library system An exploratory study

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: How are members of the Tennessee's regional library system (TRLS) in the USA using open source software (OSS) applications and collaborating to further their missions and overcome some of their debilitating information-related circumstances? What kind of partnerships can be explored in order to further use of OSS in the state? Design/methodology/approach - The paper highlights findings from an exploratory website study to identify key trends, practices, and applications of use of OSS in the TRLS. Findings - OSS applications in the TRLS are presented in terms of their current use as well as their future directions of development and opportunities. Study of collaborations in OSS use and website development by public libraries in the TRLS reveals that the OSS infoscape is more complex than previously understood. Originality/value - Minimal research has been done involving the TRLS that has been in existence for over 60 years and comprises 12 multi-county regions serving 211 small-and medium-sized public libraries. Use of OSS has tremendous potentialities to overcome the harsh conditions of information poverty, lack of information resources and technology, and unique cultural, social, economic, and environmental challenges experienced in Tennessee that have prevented significant growth of information and communications technologies in the state.