We are submitting a proposal for hosting the 2010 code4lib conference
in Austin, Texas.  Questions about the proposal should be directed to
Chris Jowaisas (chris.jowai...@packajow.com).

The combination of facilities, Austin's amenities, commitment of one
sponsor at the Silver level, and the enthusiasm of the planning
committee makes Austin an ideal location for code4lib2010.  The Texas
State Library & Archives Commission (TSLAC) and the University of
Texas (UT) libraries would serve as co-hosts for the conference.  The
basic requirements for hosts willing to manage local arrangements,
excellent facilities with full wireless access, and a desire to work
to keep costs to a minimum are met in the following ways:

-We have received a commitment from TSLAC that they will provide
sponsorship at a level of $2,500 for the conference
-TSLAC and UT staff members will work with staff at the Thompson
Conference Center (TCC) to manage the local arrangements
-The Thompson Conference Center, located on the UT campus, provides a
variety of room sizes and conference services, including wireless, in
a central Austin location - see more about TCC here - http://www.utexas.edu/cee/tcc/
-Assuming a slightly lower level of sponsorships versus 2009 due to
the tough economic conditions, our preliminary budget shows us able to
hold the registration fee to $125.

In addition to staff from the organizations in Austin, we would also
be supported in various conference planning activities by colleagues
from other institutions in the state (see list below).

After the daily conference activities have ended, attendees can
explore Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World".  One bonus of
having lots of places to see live music and lots of thirsty students
(and librarians) is a wide selection of establishments in which to
drink good beer and discuss a variety of geeky topics.  More
information about Austin's music venues in the downtown districts can
be found here - http://www.austintexas.org/musicians/music_attractions/.

In addition to music, there are numerous cultural and outdoor
activities, including the Harry Ransom Center (http://
www.hrc.utexas.edu/), the Blanton Museum of Art (http://
blantonmuseum.org/), and trails around Lady Bird Lake (http://
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trails.htm).  Additional information about
dining options, various outdoor activities, and cultural attractions
can be found at http://www.austintexas.org/.

Multiple transportation options exist for conference attendees between
various hotels, the TCC, and downtown Austin, including multiple bus
lines and walking.  February is a beautiful time of year in Austin
with lows usually in the mid-40s in the morning and evenings and
daytime highs in the upper 70s.  Sunny days are the norm with rain
rarely appearing.

We expect that we will be able to keep attendee costs reasonable due
to the variety of hotels available in central Austin and do not
foresee any circumstances that might adversely affect costs for
attendees.  We know that budgets will be especially tight in the
upcoming year and we will focus on securing the best available rates
if selected as the host.  For background, here is a list of
accommodations within 1-5 miles from the TCC -
http://www.utexas.edu/cee/tcc/attend/index.php?page=accommodations.

We feel with the variety of options available and our preliminary
conversations with hotels, we will be able to secure a lodging rate
comparable to previous conferences.

Getting to Austin is easy through the Austin-Bergstrom Airport that is
served by 12 airlines offering 41 non-stop flights to cities across
the US and one Canadian location (Toronto).  Check to see if a non-
stop flight is available from your location-
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/nonstops.htm#nonstop_outside_tx
The airport is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Austin.  San
Antonio is another option for flights and is approximately a 90-minute
drive to the south.

Thanks - on behalf of the local planning committee - Chris

Planning Committee -
Aaron Choate - UT
Karen Coombs - UH
Mark Phillips - UNT
Danielle Plumer - TSLAC
Chris Jowaisas - TSLAC