Interested in Free Open Source Software in Libraries, but not sure what library-specific products are out there or where to begin? Have a bit of time to attend a free webinar? Then FOSS4Lib may be just what you are looking for …

In January, one of my favourite library technology bloggers, Peter Murray (who blogs as the Disruptive Library Technology Jester ) launched this brand new community site.

Peter describes the site like this:

The FOSS4Lib resource site for open source software in libraries was launched in January to help libraries decide IF and WHICH open source software is right for them in service to their patrons. Consultants specializing in library open source software created the FOSS4LIB self-guided readiness assessments to help libraries determine if open source software is right for them. The site also features a registry of software packages to help libraries find information about open source software service providers, events, and usage by peers.  Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and supported LYRASIS Technology Services, FOSS4Lib is a community-run site where anyone with a valid e-mail address can register and update information about packages, service providers, events and software releases.

You can learn about FOSS4Lib at one of two introductory webinars timed to be convenient to Australian colleagues:

• April 18th from 10pm to 11pm Eastern U.S. Time (April 19 0200 to 0300 UTC)
• May 16th from 9pm to 10pm Eastern U.S. Time (May 17th 0100 to 0200 UTC)

Sign-up by e-mailing [email protected] and learn more at http://foss4lib.org/content/free-webinars-introducing-foss4lib

Thanks!