The Open Library Initiative: http://oleproject.org/
With support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a multinational group of libraries is developing the design for an Open Library Environment (OLE), an alternative to the current model of an Integrated Library System. The goal of the Open Library Environment Project is to define a next-generation technology environment based on a thoroughly re-examined model of library operations and connected to other enterprise technology systems. Our project activities include training workshops on Service Oriented Architecture and Business Process Modeling, in-person and virtual meetings, webcasts and online discussions to get input and feedback from the broad library community, and development of a design document. The workshops are being led by representatives from the library community and by consultants with expertise in Service Oriented Architecture and Business Process Modeling. By the end of our project, we will have a design for a next-generation library system using Service Oriented Architecture. We also will have built a community of interest that can be tapped to help build the OLE framework.