OPAL - PALNI Conference 2020

(Access Password: joint2020) Despite increasing need for efficiency and widespread availability of technology, there seems to be less choice in the library marketplace, and libraries are finding themselves with much less leverage to secure the options they need. Consolidation among major library technology providers has put libraries in a position to choose: Do we buy it from a vendor, build it ourselves, or something in-between? Several recent community- owned solutions have emerged to address diminished choice in the marketplace and libraries’ growing desire for agency over their services. These initiatives often present opportunities to partner with vendors in unchartered territory of building something together. This work can be challenging but is essential if libraries are to remain in the driver-seat in negotiation, software functionality, and interoperability, empowering the community to select the most appropriate paths. After a quick introduction to each project, panelists Sebastian Hammer, IndexData (FOLIO and ReShare projects) and Kevin Kochanski, Notch8 (Hyku project) will join Kirsten and Jill to discuss aspects of library agency through vendor collaboration: what it looks like, why they support it, and its biggest challenges. Our goal is to share our passion for community-owned solutions with library attendees and motivate librarians to consider similar models for cultivating agency in their environments.