[A2k] Empowering libraries through Open Source solutions: launch of eIFL OSS program

[Teresa Hackett (eIFL)]

Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL.net)

Empowering libraries through Open Source solutions: launch of eIFL OSS
program

PRESS RELEASE
November 7, 2006

eIFL Open Source Software kick-off meeting
Cupramontana, Italy, 29-30 October 2006

On 29-30 October 2006, eIFL.net hosted an international gathering of
software developers, information access advocates and library
representatives at the picturesque monastery of Eremo delle Grotte dei
Frati Bianchi in the eastern Italian province of Ancona. Welcomed by the
Mayor of Cupramontana to =93create a new beginning in a place of quiet
reflection=94, the purpose was to launch a new eIFL.net program to foster
the use of Open Source Software (OSS) solutions for libraries.

=93Open Source is all about empowerment=94, said Art Rhyno, a Systems
Librarian at the University of Windsor and author of a book on OSS and a
report for eIFL in 2005. =93This is not about dropping packaged solutions
into resource poor regions, this is about giving people the tools and
training to create their own solutions at the local level=94, continued
Rhyno. An immediate area of focus is the Integrated Library System
(ILS), typically the biggest technology expense in a library budget and
identified by eIFL members as a priority for new solutions. =93The ILS is
a huge drain on a library's resources=94, said Tigran Zargaryan, eIFL
country representative for Armenia and Head of the Automation Department
at Yerevan State University Library. =93More flexible options for ILS will
go a long way towards enabling libraries in eIFL countries to offer more
services and make a greater impact on the communities they serve=94.

Erik Hatcher, author and a leading developer on Lucene, one of the
world's premier search engine technologies, attended the Cupramontana
meeting. =93OSS represents the state-of-the-art in Information Retrieval
(IR) systems=94, said Hatcher. =93Libraries can put together systems in way=
s
that were not possible before and the use of Open Source by libraries
represents a perfect partnership of software and organisations that
serve the common good=94, he continued. Marek Tuszynski, co-founder and
partner of Tactical Technical Collective (TTC), best captured the spirit
of the eIFL initiative in describing how TTC distribute Open Source
Software in packaged CD collections and organise regional training
workshops for non-profits in developing and transition countries. It is
envisaged that eIFL will model its OSS activities on the innovative and
successful approaches developed by TTC.

The first step is to finalise membership of an eIFL OSS Advisory Board.
This will be taken forward by Tigran Zargaryan and Bess Sadler, a
librarian and software developer for the University of Virginia library,
who will prepare revised Terms of Reference and will work with eIFL to
identify potential partners. Sadler, who has worked as an international
observer and has experience developing software and technical solutions
for indigenous groups in Canada and Latin America, points to the
historical role of libraries as a source of knowledge and empowerment.
"Access to information is vital for any kind of positive change in
society. Libraries do a good job of ensuring this access. Our role is to
support libraries in eIFL member countries, so that a lack of financial
resources need not mean a lack of available knowledge."

Further information:
Rima Kupryte, Director
Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL)
c/o ADN Kronos, Piazza Mastai 9
00153 Rome, Italy
Tel: +(39)(06)5807216/17
E-mail: rima.kupryte@eifl.net
html: www.eifl.net

Notes for Editors

eIFL
eIFL.net is an international foundation which supports national library
consortia in fifty transition and developing countries to negotiate and
advocate for the wide availability of electronic resources to education,
research and professional communities as well as governmental
organisations and civil society. This global network embraces millions
of users in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and
the Middle East.