Document Freedom Workshop

Community Note: Somerville Library Hosts Open Source, Computer Document Training on April 27

The Somerville Public Library will host a “Document Freedom” Workshop on Mon., April 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Central Library at 79 Highland Ave. Led by Devin Ulibarri and other members of the Open Source/Open Standards Movement, the workshop will provide training on accessing documents electronically.

Have you ever been sent an important file you couldn’t open on your computer? Have you ever had to buy new software just to continue doing the same tasks you’ve always done on your laptop or desktop? Makers of propriety software (such as Microsoft) want their products to work only on certain platforms. They also plan for their products to become obsolete one day so we’ll have to keep buying “upgrades” from them. But the people in the Open Source and Open Standards Movement create free or inexpensive software that works on different platforms and can read different data formats. Their work maximizes information sharing and makes computing more affordable. And Open Source software is also optimal for privacy and long-term preservation of files. Come to the Somerville Public Library to celebrate Document Freedom Day and learn about this exciting movement. People of all levels of technical knowledge welcome.

For more information, contact the Somerville Public Libraries at 617-623-5000.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Betsy Allen, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or BAllen@somervillema.gov.