OSLS: Empowering Libraries - Creating Opportunities (half day workshop)

Submitted by Lori Bowen Ayre on Wed, 11/11/2009 - 5:06pm
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Presenters:  Lori Ayre, Cheryl Gould

Workshop Description:

The closed, proprietary, integrated library systems (ILS) of the last decade have left libraries with no control over features, enhancements, hardware platforms, or support options resulting in an attitude of “learned helplessness” when it comes to their ILS.  Open Source Library Systems (OSLS) offer opportunities to empower libraries and library staff to create new kinds of collaborative support and development environments.

This session will include lecture, group discussion and group activities.  The goal is to make participants aware of the unique opportunity that comes with using Open Source software to change the libraries culture from one of learned helplessness to one of continuous improvement where ideas about improving service to customers and improving work flow can be rapidly brought to fruition.  With a new relationship to their ILS, employees throughout the library can participate in making the library experience better for all. 

The seminar will include the following components:

  • overview of Open Source software including an explanation of the underlying business model and principles
  • group activity designed to draw the sharp distinction between an OSLS and an ILS (closed, proprietary, vendor-controlled) in terms of the library's ability to affect every aspect of their own working environment as well as the services they can make available to customers
  • discussion of Open Source Library Software (OSLS) currently available and who’s using them
  • discussion of support options and collaboration possibilities
  • discussion of the ways your library can get involved with an OSLS project

Objectives:

  • Learn what Open Source Library System (OSLS)
  • Find out what support options are currently available
  • Learn how OSLS systems are supported
  • Hear how libraries are working together to take advantage of OSLS in new and creative ways.
  • Learn how users of Open Source software get involved and affect what features get developed and how fast they become available.
  • Learn how every library worker interacting with the OSLS can contribute to the improvement of their working environment
  • Gain an understanding of how the principles and practices underlying Open Source Software projects match the principles and practices underlying our work as librarians.

This workshop has been taught in Fairfield, Walnut Creek, Milpitas, Fullerton, and Ontario.  If you'd like to bring it to your area, please use the Contact Us form to let us know.

Handouts and Powerpoint from this workshop are available here:

 

 

 

 

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