Open Source - Webinar

Thanks to Stephanie Race at the State Library for passing on the information about this webinar.
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Open Source: “Free” is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST.

There is no charge for this webinar. Registration is not required.

More information and access information is available online.

The link to this program will be available at 2:30 p.m. on June 24, 2009.

• Is your library trying to reduce costs, streamline procedures, and be responsive to increased/new customer expectations – all at the same time?
• Is it time to begin planning to replace your current integrated library system (ILS)?
• Is your current ILS vendor less than responsive to your requests?
• Do you have a “legacy” ILS that is no longer supported with upgrades?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then Open Source is something you should know about, and you should put this webinar on your calendar now!

This webinar will help clarify the differences between the proprietary ILS model and the new OSLS model, including what it means for the library staff and budget.

During this presentation, participants will:

• Receive an introduction to the basic concepts of OSLS and learn how it differs from the single vendor model.
• Explore the costs and benefits of moving to an OSLS.
• Examine alternatives to the RFP process when considering a move away from your current ILS.
• Identify and learn about the major OSLS currently available – Koha and Evergreen.
• Analyze what the Open Source license used by Koha and Evergreen (GPL license) means and how the Open Source licensing and development system works.
• Learn what kinds of service providers exist for libraries moving to an OSLS and how to get help evaluating your options, migrating and supporting your new system, as well as hosting and development options.
• Hear about specific libraries that have made the move to an OSLS, how they did it, and how they are doing on their new OSLS.

This free webinar is the first in an Open Source Series sponsored by Infopeople, Califa, and the Open Source Library Consortium. The first two webinars will be presented by Lori Bowen Ayre, and will focus on Open Source Library Systems (OSLS). Subsequent webinars will be delivered by other instructors and will cover Open Source applications including Drupal, Flickr, and Open Office.