1. EIFL FOSS Program 2010-11 Free and Open Source Software Simon Ball EIFL FOSS Program Manager
2. EIFL-FOSS: The Advantages Licence fees for commercial software applications can be a barrier to the development of a modern ICT infrastructure in libraries Libraries in developing and transition countries require affordable, up-to-date software that can be adapted to suit local needs and languages
3. EIFL-FOSS: The History EIFL-FOSS has been working for 3 years already, with a series of pilot projects on ILS software (Koha, Evergreen) as well as some support work with the Greenstone network in Africa
4. EIFL-FOSS: What we do A wide range of free and open source software (FOSS) applications is available for libraries, but staff often lack the IT skills required EIFL supports the deployment of FOSS and provides the necessary training, enabling libraries to achieve significant cost savings EIFL aids advocacy of FOSS to library directors and decision-makers
5. EIFL-FOSS: Priorities 1 Advocate FOSS benefits to library managers / directors / decision-makers These people are key to embedding FOSS in libraries, and the EIFL-FOSS program will target this area as a priority.
6. EIFL-FOSS: Priorities 2 Promote engagement with FOSS development and user communities Responds to community need for areas requiring support for FOSS skills training Raise awareness and understanding of FOSS use in libraries
7. EIFL-FOSS: Priorities 3 Extend network of librarians who can serve as FOSS champions No nominated FOSS Coordinator (yet!) in: Albania, Belarus, Botswana, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Kenya*, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal*, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania* (* possibly soon) But ALSO seeking a second network of FOSS advocates who can effect change at library director level – not necessarily technical but influential.
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9. Disability Access (eg free tools to aid users with physical or sensory impairments get access to library resources)?
10. Any other? 2. How might we advocate benefits of FOSS to library directors / decision makers?
