diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index a9baf62..553747e 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -33,3 +33,5 @@ SUBDIRS = host fpga doc firmware
 pkgconfigdir = $(libdir)/pkgconfig
 pkgconfig_DATA = \
 	usrp.pc
+
+@RELMAKE@
diff --git a/TODO-RELEASE b/TODO-RELEASE
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0852fc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/TODO-RELEASE
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# When cleaning up this file: bump API version in corresponding Makefile.am and rename corresponding debian/lib*.install
+# according to https://www.gnu.org/software/libtool/manual/html_node/Updating-version-info.html#Updating-version-info
+# In short:
+# LIBVERSION=c:r:a
+# If the library source code has changed at all since the last update, then increment revision: c:r + 1:a.
+# If any interfaces have been added, removed, or changed since the last update: c + 1:0:0.
+# If any interfaces have been added since the last public release: c:r:a + 1.
+# If any interfaces have been removed or changed since the last public release: c:r:0.
+#library	what		description / commit summary line
diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index fc1933c..ec86209 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@ AM_SILENT_RULES([yes])
 
 AC_CONFIG_MACRO_DIRS([m4])
 
+dnl include release helper
+RELMAKE='-include osmo-release.mk'
+AC_SUBST([RELMAKE])
+
 AC_PROG_CXX
 
 LT_INIT([pic-only disable-static])