[Web4lib] Survey: In-House Web/Software Development

[Chris Stearns]

I'm giving a presentation in a couple of months on library software 
development that's handled in-house, and want some anecdotal info on 
current trends in library software development. For the most part, I'm 
concerned with the amount of server-side programming/scripting performed 
in-house to build new applications to meet specific needs, add 
functionality to websites, and extend or modify third-party applications.

If you have a few minutes and are familiar with some or all of the info 
requested below, would you mind just replying to me with it? When all 
the responses have come in, I'll compile the data and package it up in a 
pdf and make it available to whoever wants a copy. I'll also keep all 
names and institutions confidential. Feel free to add/extend the 
questions if you want.

If I could get all replies by Jan 31, that would be great.
Thank you.

1. What kind of library are you...public, private, academic, k-12?

2. What technologies/languages/tools do you work with, and how important 
(1,least important -- 5,most important) is each one for what you do? 
(e.g., php, python, ruby, perl, java, xml, rss, mysql, postgres, oracle, 
django, cake php, ruby on rails, subversion, etc.).

3. Approximately how much of your time (in percentages) is devoted to 
the following
3a. build new applications
3b. extend existing in-house applications
3c. modify and extend third-party applications (automation software, 
digital projects software, blogging software, etc.)
3d. other(explain):

4. What additional duties (e.g, server administration, web design, 
systems administration, etc.), if any, are you tasked with in addition 
to writing/modifying code to build or extend applications, and 
(approximately) how much time is required for each?

5. If you build original applications in-house, what kinds of 
applications are they, and what needs are they built to address (staff 
workflow and data management, cataloging/records managment, website 
content management, improve patron service and experience, etc.).

6. How do in-house developers help libraries fulfill their mission, and 
what technological issues/projects/services do you see yourself (or your 
coworkers) addressing over the next 3-5 years to meet the needs of patrons?

Thanks.
=====================
Chris Stearns
Information Technology Specialist
Auburn University Libraries
334.844.1747
http://www.lib.auburn.edu