King County Library System

The Open Source Library System (OSLS) and the open source model provide an alternative to the current proprietary integrated library system (ILS) software business model used by most public libraries. An OSLS empowers libraries to actively engage in the design and optimization of their own system software. The OSLS business model spreads the development work across a wide range of contributors, extends the potential pool of service providers, and empowers libraries to optimize service to their customers. King County Library System (KCLS), a nationally recognized leader in public library service and technology, will partner with Peninsula Library System (San Mateo, California), Orange County Library System (Orlando, Florida), and Ann Arbor (Michigan) District Library to create and develop the critical infrastructure components that have traditionally been provided by ILS vendors and will establish a peer-to-peer support model for open source libraries. The project will stimulate a growing community of libraries moving to an OSLS that will benefit from and contribute to software applications as well as the support infrastructure.