Open Source Software Installfest
Thursday, October 26, 1–5 p.m. and Friday, October 27, 8 a.m.—noon
Presenters: Gary Wan Texas A&M University Libraries, and Amy De Groff, Howard County Library
Open source software (OSS) has increased in popularity in recent years. OSS is available for many different types of services in libraries. This session will provide real-life examples of how OSS is utilized and offer an opportunity for hands-on experience with some of the software packages. This preconference will be held over 2 days, with 2 half-day sessions. The first session will focus on the development and implementation of a library infrastructure using OSS. Solutions covered will include Koha, an ILS; OpenILL, an interlibrary loan system; Jybe, virtual reference; GreenStone, digital collection and institutional respository development; and WordPress, a blogging tool. The second days session will cover small OSS projects, including LuMix, a custom-built Linux distribution for customer web browsing; I Calendar, a collaboration and calendaring product; Open Office, an office productivity suite; Firefox, a web browser; and Thunderbird, an email client.
Developing Best Project Management Practices for IT Projects
Presenters: Frank Cervone, Northwestern University and Grace Sines, National Agricultural Library
The increasing complexity and proliferation of technology within libraries dictates that more methodical approaches be adopted for the planning and implementation of new projects. Project managers, regardless of project size, need to be adept at applying proven skills and techniques to a variety of project needs. In this one-day workshop, you will learn the highlights of the the five project management process groups and the importance of the nine recognized knowledge areas of project management. Using the best practices defined by the Project Management Institute and case studies from the Northwestern University Library, participants will gain knowledge and be given tools necessary to plan and execute IT projects, such as samples and templates for work breakdown structures, charter and scope definitions, communication planning, risk management, accountability charting and examples from the field.