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McIlwain, J. Robertson

Librarian

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3156-4904

Research themes

critical librarianship information equity open access publishing

Biography

J. Robertson McIlwain is Librarian and Research Associate at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, where he leads the Hans-Dieter Klingemann Library. His research interests span critical librarianship, library technology governance, and open systems in scholarly communication. His work explores the case for open and non-proprietary approaches to library practice, grounded in principles of privacy, equity of access, and long-term stewardship, from systems selection to the support of open scholarly communication. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science and an MA in European Studies.

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Item type: Publication , Access status: Open Access ,
Towards an Open Source-first Praxis in Libraries
(Information Technology and Libraries, 2023-12-18) McIlwain, J. Robertson
In terms of utility and technical quality, open source software solutions have become a common option for many libraries. As barriers to adoption have been reduced and systems such as FOLIO appear poised to change the landscape of LIS technology, it is worth examining how the use of open source can support the normative core values of librarianship, and to outline a strategy for critical engagement with the technology that is beneficial to patrons and libraries. That strategy will require further codification, institutionalization and investigation of open source at many levels.

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https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/11

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