Is there a better place to celebrate Burn's Night than Edinburgh? This could be just the excuse you were looking for...

Open Edge - Open Source in Libraries
This two day event on open source software for libraries is being run in collaboration with JISC and SCONUL. The first day is ’Haggis and Mash’, a Mashed Library event, while the second day covers broader issues, in particular how capacity might be built to enable open source solutions to flourish in HE and FE Libraries.

Mashed Library (http://www.mashedlibrary.com/) is an informal network of Library professionals who are interested in how technology can be used to enhance library services increasing the ease of access to library data. ’Haggis and Mash' is a semi-unconference event which is designed to showcase some of best practice from library staff from around the UK, combined with a practical element to let delegates come together and brainstorm/develop practical solutions for mashing existing library data. Haggis and Mash will have a particular focus on the use of Open Source library software, including presentations and hands-on workshops covering systems such as Evergreen, VuFind and Blacklight, as well as other Open Source projects like Juice - for a full programme see http://mashedlibrary.com/wiki/index.php?title=Haggis_and_Mash

This first day is intended for anyone with an interest in the use of technology in libraries, and although sessions will have technical content, the event aims to offer something to anyone with an interest in technology & libraries - from beginners to experienced programmers.
The second day of the event has a broader focus for people with a strategic role in HE and FE Libraries and IT, as well as Managers and Practitioners. The day will cover four themes:

THEME ONE: Why employ OSS library solutions ( the key issues) There are a number of reports on the overall benefits of OSS. This session will summarise and analyse the benefits and some challenges.
THEME TWO What are the OSS solutions for libraries?
(a) summary of what is available: inc vertical search, ERM, APIs, Widgets, IRs VLE, Digital preservation
Look at some of the solutions in more detail with a focus on the benefits rather than details of features
THEME THREE: What capacity do we need for OSS to flourish in libraries?
THEME FOUR: How can we develop that capacity?
For further information about Open Source Library Technology visit http://helibtech.com/Open+Source

Hope some of you can make it

Owen

Owen Stephens
Owen Stephens Consulting
Web: http://www.ostephens.com
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Telephone: 0121 288 6936