<p>Any relevance to the current discussion about a Koha Foundation?<br></p><p>IMLS National Leadership
Grants just announced @<br></p><p><a href="http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092409b_list.shtm#WA" target="_blank">http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092409b_list.shtm#WA</a><br></p><p><b>King County Library System - Issaquah,
WA</b><br>
Award Amount: $998,556; Matching Amount: $1,014,400<br>
Grant Category: Demonstration</p>
<p>Contact: Mr. Jed Moffitt<br>
Director of Information Technology Services<br>
(425)369-3433; <a href="mailto:jmoffitt@kcls.org" target="_blank">jmoffitt@kcls.org</a></p>
<p>Project Title: "Empowered by Open Source"<br>
The Open Source Library System (OSLS) and the open source
model provide an alternative to the current proprietary
integrated library system (ILS) software business model
used by most public libraries. An OSLS empowers libraries
to actively engage in the design and optimization of their
own system software. The OSLS business model spreads the
development work across a wide range of contributors,
extends the potential pool of service providers, and empowers
libraries to optimize service to their customers. King
County Library System (KCLS), a nationally recognized
leader in public library service and technology, will
partner with Peninsula Library System (San Mateo, California),
Orange County Library System (Orlando, Florida), and Ann
Arbor (Michigan) District Library to create and develop
the critical infrastructure components that have traditionally
been provided by ILS vendors and will establish a peer-to-peer
support model for open source libraries. The project will
stimulate a growing community of libraries moving to an
OSLS that will benefit from and contribute to software
applications as well as the support infrastructure.
</p><br clear="all">Cab Vinton, Director<br>Sanbornton Public Library<br>Sanbornton, NH<br><br>