LYRASIS Launches FOSS4LIB to Provide Guidance to Libraries about Open Source Software
From a LYRASIS Announcement:
LYRASIS is pleased to announce the launch of its FOSS4LIB (Free/Open Source Software for Libraries), a website dedicated to providing guidance about open source software for the library community.
[Clip]
FOSS4LIB offers a set of Decision Support Tools for the library community to assess open source readiness and related decisions. The tools include:
- a self-paced survey to determine the best open source hosting option;
- a list of questions that helps libraries understand open source software requirements and how to integrate with their larger institutional technology environments;
- a list of factors that impact the true cost of implementing open source; and
- a document to guide the final software package selection.
The site also details current information about open source software service providers, events and usage. Through its open source software registry, FOSS4LIB enables providers to highlight their software packages and benefits, libraries to submit firsthand experience with open source software, and users to learn about open source software updates and releases.
FOSS4LIB is accessible at http://foss4lib.org/. Software package creators, service providers and library professionals are encouraged to add their contact information to the registry.
Funding for FOSS4LIB comes from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Read the Complete Announcement
Filed under: Funding, Libraries, Patrons and Users
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.