eIFL-FOSS country coordinators are FOSS champions for libraries in their countries. They have been nominated by their country consortium to serve in this capacity. Each works, at the moment, in some capacity within the library IT infrastructure in one of the local eIFL consortium libraries.

eIFL-FOSS country coordinators are the main source the program has for information about FOSS developments and implementations in their respective countries. Gathering this information and sharing it is vital. FOSS support works best when it is connected at the local level. Libraries need to take advantage of local FOSS support networks where these are available.

eIFL-FOSS country coordinators are also the main conduit out for information about the program to local FOSS groups and libraries across their country.

eIFL-FOSS country coordinators form a mutually supporting community. Collectively they are the first-line of support on FOSS-related questions for eIFL members.

Finally, eIFL-FOSS country coordinators have a particular role in the special projects that the eIFL-FOSS program takes on. For example, in the eIFL-FOSS ILS project country coordinators will be directly involved in helping to identify potential pilot libraries. They will liaise locally and directly contribute to the support documentation aspect of the project, regardless of whether their specific institution is a pilot library or not. And, of course, they will be crucial for any evaluation of the relative success of the program over the longer term.

Thanks

eIFL-FOSS country coordinators are crucial to the success of the eIFL-FOSS program. For their ongoing participation and contribution, we offer gracious thanks.

Do you know the eIFL-FOSS country coordinator for your country? If so, contact them and let them know of your interest in FOSS for libraries. If you don't know the eIFL-FOSS country coordinator for your country, contact Randy Metcalfe, eIFL-FOSS Program Manager for further information.