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Behind the scenes, this is a look at how DSpace works:

How is the DSpace software licensed?

DSpace is free open source software. That means that you can download, use, and modify DSpace for free. The software is shared under a Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) license.  We have also tried to find good open-source tools to package with the DSpace application, all freely available under an open-source license (although not all the same license as the one for DSpace itself), so that you get a complete system along with the part that we created.  Users are also allowed to modify DSpace to meet an organization's specific needs.   

What is the open source development model used for DSpace?

The code for DSpace is kept within a source code control system from SourceForge. This system allows code to be added or modified over time, while maintaining a track of all changes and a note of why the change was made and who made it. This assists with the development of the software and ensures the quality and traceability of the code. Any past version of DSpace can be downloaded from the system in an identical state as originally distributed.

Control of the source code repository is delegated to a small group of 'committers'. Only the committers have the ability to change the code and release new versions. The committers work with the wider community of DSpace users to fix bugs and improve the software with new features.

Anyone who wants to is welcome to submit big fixes, new features or feature requests. The can all be done through the SourceForge administrative system SourceForge administrative system.  Support is provided on an informal basis via email lists. There are three DSpace email lists:

1. General for general questions and announcements
2. Technical for technical support
3. Development for developers and to discuss development issues

Hungry for more?

Need more general information before moving any further? Below is a list of materials that can help you learn more about DSpace.

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