BEST PRACTICES FOR OPEN SOURCE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION CENTRES. Second National Conference on Recent Advancements in Science and Humanities, United Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, 18-19 March 2011. Vimal Kumar V. Library Assistant Mahatma Gandhi University Library Kerala-686 560, India vimal0212@gmail.com Abstract: Open Source technology management in library and information centers is a challenge and an opportunity. A general perception rooted among library professionals is that Open Source softwares are difficult to implement and not user friendly. Lack of awareness and opportunities for training are the main barriers for wide adoption of Open Source software in libraries. Success rate of Open Source technology implementation depend on attitude to build skill set and dedication of library staff. Keywords: Open Source Software, Library Automation. INTRODUCTION In developing countries technology management in libraries are in negligible state. Often, library staff are not involved in decision making process in technology selection and implementation. Proprietary softwares are extensively used for library automation purposes. The companies behind them have aggressive marketing strategies and those products are neatly packed and presented. But with proprietary software, library staff do not get any control over the computing environment. Their source code will not be available to libraries. High price and no possession over data are the main disadvantages of proprietary library softwares. Therefore, technology management in libraries using proprietary software do not fulfill the requirements of library staff and user community.