Feature added by: Timothy Butterworth (timothy_m_butterworth) Feature #314844, revision 1 Title: New Package group and focus on applications for public and private Libraries openSUSE Distribution: Unconfirmed Priority Requester: Important Requested by: Timothy Butterworth (timothy_m_butterworth) Partner organization: openSUSE.org Description: All, Please consider looking into a new user area in library management and automation software. As public libraries have existed for many years with the goal of bringing knowledge freely to the masses they also need to be up to date with technology as well. FOSS is a perfect fit as many active FOSS applications exist and many are being worked on by libraries. This could later become a new dedicated buisness unit. Here are some links regarding information on FOSS use in Libraries. http://foss4lib.org/decision-support http://foss4lib.org/packages http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_free_and_open-source_software_packages#... http://www.washoecounty.us/library/open_source.html http://www.libsuccess.org/Open_Source_Software http://evergreen-ils.org/about.php I am sure there are many more use cases than these as I compiled the list above quickly. Here is a good oportunity to expand the user community, developers and buisness as well. Libraries need a complex set of applications. It would be a great idea to create a survey to assist in locating popular software already being used that is spicific to library use for the new emphasis. Offering value added bundled applications for Integrated Library Management ILS, as well as other Library Management and Automation such as more advanced and easy to implement pay for printing services would be a great way to enter into this world wide market. Also almost all libraries now offer some degree of KIOSK service. Improving KIOSK management for example overwriting the home directory from a secure snapshot after use to remove any previous user data. Of course a good starting point is making the current FOSS Library specific applications available with a special emphasis by having its own package group and advertising there availability. I personally think this should not just be simply merged into the education spin but it could be added for school library management. Business case (Partner benefit): openSUSE.org: To expand FLOSS adoption into available markets that already have similiar goals. To share knowledge with those who may otherwise may not have the opportunity to enjoy the privledge of knowledge. -- openSUSE Feature: https://features.opensuse.org/314844