* Cab Vinton (bibliwho@gmail.com) wrote:
Any relevance to the current discussion about a Koha Foundation?
IMLS National Leadership Grants just announced @
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092409b_list.shtm#WA
King County Library System - Issaquah, WA Award Amount: $998,556; Matching Amount: $1,014,400 Grant Category: Demonstration
Contact: Mr. Jed Moffitt Director of Information Technology Services (425)369-3433; jmoffitt@kcls.org
Project Title: "Empowered by Open Source" 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.
Hi Cab I wondered that myself, so I asked Lori Bowen Ayre at the Galecia Group http://www.galecia.com/ (a fantastic group of people doing great things to help FLOSS adoption). She replied "The goal of the project is to build infrastructure for existing projects like #evergreen and #koha - not start up a new one." http://twitter.com/LBA/status/4353773733 And clarified "KCLS IMLS goal: develop critical infrastructure components trditnly provided by ILS vndrs; estab peer-to-peer support model for OS libs." http://twitter.com/LBA/status/4353900992 I see also that Ben asked the same question on their blog and got the same answer. http://www.galecia.com/imls-awards-1-mil-for-open-source/#comments So it sounds to me like great news. Chris -- Chris Cormack Catalyst IT Ltd. +64 4 803 2238 PO Box 11-053, Manners St, Wellington 6142, New Zealand