Open Source in Higher Education: Towards an understanding of networked universities

Abstract

This article addresses the question of understanding more about networked universities by looking at open source software developers working in academic contexts. It sketches their identities and work as an emerging professional community that both relies upon and develops digitally mediated networks and contributes to the progress of academic knowledge and scientific discoveries. The data for this study revolve around questionnaire responses from developers working on two open source software projects, one from the field of biology, the other from education. It provides a rare glimpse into a highly specialised social world. The study demonstrates how the commitments and ideals of open source software developers not only contribute to universities as digitally network institutions, but are foundational to their very constitution.