I propose that we should create an all-India volunteer force to help libraries implement and support open source software technologies for libraries. I would like to call such a volunteer force as VOST4LIB (VOlunteers in Open Source Technologies for LIBraries)

VOST4LIB is envisaged as a community-driven initiative with the prime objective of marshalling the existing human-power in India, experienced and knowledgeable in the use of open source (OS) technologies and solutions suitable and needed by libraries. This will include OS library management systems such as Koha and NewGenLib; institutional repository systems such as Dspace, Eprints, Fedora; OS operating systems and Servers such as Linux distros; OS content management systems (Drupal, Joomla); newer tool kits such as the eXtensible catalog, OS learning Managment Systems (e.g., Moodle) etc., etc.

I envisage that VOST4LIB volunteers will undertake to offer their expertise and knowledge to help libraries within their city, town or nearby areas in tasks such as:

At some time I also see the possibility of VOST4LIB volunteers having Developers among the force. Thess specialists might contribute their programming skills to customize, build third party applications, enhance one or other OS application software, make proposals for new functionality, etc. Such activity would obviously require considerable time and effort and could become a community-driven activity like that of the CODE4LIB group.

The purpose of VOST4LIB is not to detract from, or minimize or negate the need for paid data conversion/migration, support and training services that already exist, e.g., for Koha and NewGenLib. I believe that the large libraries, e.g., in Universities and privately funded colleges, special libraries should seek paid support services since their installations are big and any dislocation of service is not in their interest. They should not hesittate to seek and pay for services from authorized providers. If everyone expects free service then the whole edifice of open source technolgies for libraries will crumble to the detriment of all libraries.

VOST4LIB, on the other hand, should be targeted to the smaller libraries in schools and small colleges where they may not have well trained staff and/or IT staff to fall back on and also the finances to obtain paid support.

I envisage that VOST4LIB Volunteers will provide their service free-of-charge to SEEKER libraries at a time that is convenient to the volunteers consistent with the urgency of the help needed. SEEKER libraries should be willing to provide transportation and/or reimburse expenses to the Volunteers. If the service requires several hours of work on the part of the Volunteers SEEKER libraries should provide them lunch and refreshments and also acknowledge via a letter to the head of the organization of the Volunteer the fact that they benefitted from the Volunteer's help, etc., etc.

I would be happy to incubate VOST4LIB as an initiative of Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management (KIIKM). KIIKM will be happy to finnace and create an exclusive web site and host a searchable database of Volunteers who may then be contacted by SEEKER libraries. The site could also have a discussion forum and other useful resources. KIIKM may seek advertisement revenues and donor funding to help it to support and sustain this work. Obviously there would be need for at least one dedicated human resource for upkeep of the web site, administrering and updating its resources, moderating discussions, etc. This would require funding and I hope we could attract a national agency to fund such an activity.

The whole edifice of the open source movement is driven and sustained by a contribution culture - the Cathedral spirit. VOST4LIB can, I believe, will be another contribution to the movement.