KU News Release

KU partners in Mellon-funded design of next-generation library system

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is a core partner in a new $475,700 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to design a next-generation, open-source library system that is customizable and flexible enough to meet the changing and complex needs of 21st century libraries and library users.

The grant was awarded to Duke University Libraries to create the Open Library Environment Project, an initiative to develop a design document for library automation technology that fits modern library workflows, is built on Service Oriented Architecture and offers an alternative to commercial Integrated Library System products.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for KU to participate in an initiative aimed at improving the information environment for student and faculty researchers,” said Denise Stephens, vice provost for Information Services and chief information officer at KU. “We anticipate that the OLE Project outcomes will enable libraries to more effectively employ technology to deliver information.”

KU will be represented on the project by Assistant Vice Provost for Information Services Beth Forrest Warner and Associate Dean of Libraries Mary Roach. They join colleagues from Columbia University, Duke, Lehigh University, Library and Archives Canada, National Library of Australia, Orbis Cascade Alliance, Rutgers University, University of Chicago, University of Florida, University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University and Whittier College.

The Open Library Environment Project is a collaborative, community-based venture that will engage professionals from other libraries through regional and virtual meetings, discussion of plans and documents, comments via the project Web site and listserv and discussions at professional meetings.

For more information, see the project Web site.

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