ByWater Solutions and SWAN Library Services announce session descriptions for the Open Source Software Success for Libraries pre-conference they are hosting in advance the American Library Association Annual Conference on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm at DePaul University. Attendees will hear from libraries of all sizes about the rewards and challenges of implementing Open Source software including Koha, Aspen Discovery, Evergreen, and the Palace Project. Whether you use Open Source now, want to use Open Source in the future, or just want to hear more about what other institutions are doing, this is a great opportunity to hear first hand about the experiences and successes of various libraries.
If you are interested in attending, please register here: https://bywater.solutions/open-source-success-preconference
The Value of Open Source
Presented by Aaron Skog Executive Director at SWAN Library Services
For libraries to accomplish their missions, serve their users, and effectively steward limited resources, libraries of all types must be able to select the services, platforms, and technology providers that match organizational values and meet both long and short-term needs. This session will call upon libraries to empower themselves by reestablishing agency and reasserting control over the business software applications and technical infrastructure critical to libraries' success. Library created solutions under the open source arrangement align with the cultural values of libraries writ-large, while the predominant model of corporate-controlled, proprietary are increasingly at odds with the immediate and long-term needs of libraries.
Leaving the Door Open to Flexibility
Presented by Bob Bennhoff AspenCat Services Manager at Colorado Library Consortium
Open source offers a unique flexibility to change vendors, without changing your software. Since open source software isn't owned, there are a lot more options to finding a vendor that fits library needs. AspenCat was able to find the right fit for its ILS (Koha) and Discovery Layer (Aspen). This session will cover that experience and the options available to libraries using open source.
The Birth and Development of Open Source Projects
Presented by James English Director of Business Development at The Palace Project | Lyrasis
and Jordan Fields Aspen Product Librarian at ByWater Solutions
How does an idea that starts with one library grow to not only become a reality, but a successful product used by hundreds of libraries? What lessons can be gleaned by open source projects that have made that transition? How does working with an open source project provide advantages to libraries and their users? In this session James English with The Palace Project and Jordan Fields with Aspen Discovery will share stories of how two open source projects started and the journey of how they got to where they are today.
What Else is Out There? How to Lead a Successful Search for a New ILS and Discovery Layer
Presented by Daniel Barden Technical Services Division Director at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Cuyahoga County Public Library had been customers of Innovative Interfaces for 18 years. We used Millennium then Sierra for our ILS and used Encore as our discovery layer. Our director said it was time to see what else was out there in the library marketplace that might help make our staff member's jobs easier and our customers happier. How do you successfully organize and lead this project to get buy-in from staff at all levels in a Unionized environment?
Open Source in Action: Implementing and Running Open Source
A panel discussion featuring:
- Scott Brandwein, Assistant Director at SWAN Library Services
- Bob Bennhoff, AspenCat Services Manager at Colorado Library Consortium and koha-US Vice President
- Maddie Hines, Digital Strategies Manager at Montgomery County Public Libraries
- Keisha Poole, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian at Arlington Public Library
In this panel presentation staff from libraries and consortia of various sizes will answer questions about what working with open source software is really like from implementation through support and day to day management. There will be questions on the benefits and challenges of the open source model as well as a conversation around how development works without a proprietary vendor.
The Open-Source Difference
Presented by Kathy Lussier - Executive Director at the SAILS Library Network
Libraries are showing renewed interest in open-source solutions as they more fully understand the level of ownership they have over these systems. Open-source software not only allows organizations to maintain control over costs, but also provides them with a voice in the direction of their software and ensures the solution reflects the fundamental values of the library profession. When participating in open-source communities, libraries and consortia become equal partners with their service providers as they move their solution forward. In this talk, Kathy will highlight the reasons why open source is a great fit for libraries/consortia and share her thoughts on how to best work in an open-source community.
Community Conversation and Next Steps
In this group discussion, we will take time to reflect on all the presentations and talk as a group about successes and challenges from attending institutions. Together, we'll brainstorm next steps on what it will take for both individual libraries and the open source community as a whole to thrive.
About SWAN Library Services
SWAN Library Services is dedicated to bringing 100 libraries in the Chicagoland areas for the purposes of resource sharing and collaboration. They connect a 1.9 million service population with their community library. To this end, SWAN built a shared online public catalog with nearly 8 million items available to library users. This is a unique collection of materials, e-content, and library events. SWAN's strength is founded on providing a common platform of services and promoting collaboration among libraries. Over the past 5 years, the membership of SWAN has grown by 25 libraries.
Read more at https://swanlibraries.net/news...
About ByWater Solutions
ByWater Solutions is a full service, high-quality Open Source support and implementation company dedicated to providing libraries with a lower cost, more advanced level of support for their systems than a traditional proprietary solution can offer. ByWater Solutions has a proven track record in the first-rate implementation and support services with library systems of all sizes for the Koha ILS, Aspen Discovery, Folio LSP, Coral ERM, and Libki PC Management.
Our highly ranked, comprehensive support is what sets our company apart from any other vendor in the industry. Partnering with ByWater Solutions not only lowers the cost of implementation and maintenance of OSS but more importantly empowers libraries by giving them the flexibility and freedom they deserve. For more information please visit https://bywatersolutions.com.