YourLibrarySite (http://www.yourlibrarysite.com) now provides expanded online technology services for Academic, Special, and Public libraries. A well-established participant and core development contributor in the Drupal open source community; YourLibrarySite (YLS) is also co-maintainer of the SOPAC 2 module (http://thesocialopac.net/), a community-driven online catalog display layer.

YLS recently worked with the University of Toronto–Mississauga library (http://library.utm.utoronto.ca/) to create their new website. As the information needs of students and faculty change through the term, so will the site. Incorporated within it are various Web 2.0 applications to ensure the website is current, relevant and useful to users.

Most YLS websites have a custom graphic design on top of existing fixed layouts or are built to accommodate a highly flexible grid layout made possible with the use of Promo Module [http://drupal.org/project/promos], developed by YLS programmers. YLS websites can also provide a fully customized user interface to accommodate any specialized needs.

YLS has expanded services to library consortia. The new website for Peninsula Library System (a California based consortium of public libraries) is scheduled to launch shortly. A second consortium project, providing filtered SOPAC access to member libraries, is currently underway for SAILS (a Massachusetts based library consortium with over 70 public and academic library members).

YLS is working with three SOPAC project libraries (Palos Verdes Library District (http://pvld.org), Newport Beach Public Library (in development) and SAILS) to collaboratively fund the new features they want to see in SOPAC 2.1.

Complementary webinars are now being offered that explain open source web technology options and benefits for libraries. The technology incorporated into current and recently completed projects are discussed along with collaborative funding strategies libraries can use to gain maximum advantage from ever-constrained budgets. For information about the YLS complementary webinars, librarians should email Paul Berger at paul@yourlibrarysite.com.

New Affiliate Program

Richard P. Hulser Consulting will be the first participate in the new YLS technology affiliate program. “Over the course of several years participating and attending a number of Library technology conferences and workshops, we have identified consultants and firms whose expertise is compatible with ours. We are approaching those firms whose services compliment our open source approach for libraries using technology to better serve their patrons and constituents” said Joseph Muennich, YLS partner and senior project director. “After highly productive discussions with Richard Hulser at the Internet Librarians Conference last fall, we decided that this would be a great first affiliation.”

Richard P. Hulser Consulting provides services for libraries regarding technology strategy planning, content licensing and management, and digital library implementation and management. Richard has 30 years of international experience working with a variety of library and cultural institutions to enhance their information management practices. He is an SIIA Certified Contents Rights Manager, a Fellow of SLA (Special Libraries Association), and has served on the SLA Board of Directors.

“The approach YLS takes to promoting a range of open source online technology solutions for libraries and their focus on client participation in guiding innovation for the platforms they work with complements my approach to technology strategy planning,” said Hulser. “For those considering open source as a possible choice for their information management needs, YLS has a very good approach worth considering".

Information on the YLS Affiliate program along with contact information for Richard P. Hulser Consulting can be found at http://www.yourlibrarysite.com/affiliates.

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Press Contact: Paul Berger - paul@yourlibrarysite.com