The RSCEL website was created to support the work arising from the IMLS grant, "Empowered by Open Source," that was awarded to King County Library System (KCLS) and their grant partners.

The goals of the Empowered by Open Source project are:

1. Promote Open Source Library System (OSLS) adoption by articulating the benefits to libraries.
2. Increase participation in OSLS projects.
3. Make open source conversion a viable option for public libraries by providing infrastructure elements related to planning, implementation, training, development, and support.
4. Develop a new model of peer-to-peer support for open source libraries.

The libraries currently partnering with KCLS include Peninsula Library System, Ann Arbor District Library, Bibliomation, EINetwork, PALS, Massachusetts Library Network Cooperative and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

RSCEL Mission Statement

The Resource Sharing Cooperative of Evergreen Libraries (RSCEL)is committed to the betterment of the library user experience through the development of effective, efficient, and flexible software for library users and staff.

By empowering libraries to migrate to open source systems, RSCEL serves and supports a visionary and self-reliant public library culture energized by the opportunities for positive change through the power and potential of technology.

 RSCEL is committed to providing excellent service to library users. We recognize that the needs of library customers are in continuous flux and the only way to be responsive to those changes is to have flexible library system software that can be modified by the libraries themselves as their customers’ needs change.

RSCEL is committed to providing a healthy, efficient, effective, and positive environment for library staff. Such an environment is only possible when the software is optimized to support the operational needs of the people using it. As such, RSCEL members encourage staff at all levels of the library to contribute to the design and enhancement of the library system software.

RSCEL is focused on increasing library competencies in the area of open source library systems software development, maintenance, and administration, as well as the policy and procedures development and training required to support this work.

RSCEL is committed to creating a public library culture that is empowered by technology and excited about the opportunities for positive changes as all libraries become more technically self-sufficient.

U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

[Updated December 12, 2011]