Koha Open-Source Library Management System: The University of Guyana Library's Experience (original) (raw)
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Open source has been the center of attention most especially in academic libraries world for the past several years. The current momentum of open source ILS adoption makes it almost inevitable that it will represent an increasing portion of the library automation landscape. Koha is considered as a highly sophisticated Integrated Library System (ILS) in the open source domain which offers full featured ILS including OPAC, circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, serials control etc.The purpose of this paper was to describe the redeemer's university library Koha 3.06 library management system (LMS) implementation, experience and utilization by both library staff and users. The study adopted a survey design, using questionnaire as the instrument for gathering of data, to sample user's opinion on the software utilization and general perception, and also to evaluate level of satisfaction of library staffs. A total of 17 library staff and 90 undergraduate students participated in the study. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage tables. The data analysis revealed that its excellent features have made it popular and continues to receive improvement and upgrade by the library patrons. It has also increased the use of OPAC by library patrons in searching for library resources from any comfort zone.The findings also revealed that the level of satisfaction and utilization by library staff were very high due to its friendly interface. It concludes by proffering solutions to the observed problems like staff training and retraining on software design and networking, fostering synergy with some units of the universities such as Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.) Unit of the university for the purpose of strengthening the system.
KOHA OSS has many features that are suitable for managing academic libraries particularly in Malaysian environment. Comparing it with some of the proprietary library management software used by some of the academic libraries in Malaysia, KOHA OSS has many similar features that are used by the propriety library management software to manage the academic libraries. This is because of the fact that, KOHA OSS is being built by a community of open source which consists of experts who are interested in the development and maintenance of the software. The purpose of this research is to explore the suitability and capability of KOHA OSS as a library management information system specifically for academic libraries in Malaysia. In order to achieve the purpose, the functional and non functional features of KOHA OSS are explored, analyzed, and discussed. As a result of these tasks, conclusion will be made on the suitability and capability of KOHA OSS to be used in the academic libraries. The m...
IJIRT | Volume 7 Issue 6 | ISSN: 2349-6002, 2020
Open source software offers users the freedom to run, copy, distribute study, modify, share, and improve the software for any purpose. For libraries, these systems eliminate the initial costs associated with commercial software and provide greater control over their operational environments. It is crucial for library professionals to understand the benefits of open source software and actively engage in its development and implementation. This discussion explores the criteria for selecting library management software and advocates for the adoption of open source options. The paper focuses on the features of Koha, pioneering open source library management software that has been rapidly adopted in India and worldwide. By evaluating Koha's advantages and disadvantages, the study also compares it with other open source software such as PMB, PhpMyLibrary, and OpenBiblio. The aim is to identify the standard features of integrated library management software through a review of related literature and practical experiences.
Evaluation in use of KOHA Library Management Software in OPJGU, Sonipat
Library Philosophy and Practice, 2018
Purpose: This paper is the evaluation of use of KOHA library management software in OPJGU Library. Methodology: This study is survey based. Data was collected with the help of questionnaire along with conversation and personal observation with OPJGU library colleagues. Total 15 OPJGU library professionals spread across JGU university libraries had participated in this study. Collected data was analyzed and interpreted through tables and charts. Findings: It is found that from the study that OPJGU Library professionals have good perception towards KOHA and they also agreed with KOHA as free software with original source code. It is also found that OPJGU library has been equipped with good resources required to running library activities and services through KOHA Library Software. It is suggested that Staff and user should be given proper orientation on benefits and outputs of KOHA. Implication: Koha must be fully utilized in maximum use services. Use of Koha should not be restricted ...
Adoption and user perceptions of Koha library management system in India
2012
Résumé/Abstract Adoption and use of open source library management systems in Indian libraries is gaining momentum. Koha is the first free and open source library automation package. Its excellent features have made it popular among the user community within a short span of time. This paper provides a brief picture of Koha software adoption and the users' perceptions about it in the Indian library scenario and evaluates the satisfaction level of Indian library professionals with Koha.
ILIS Journal of Librarianship and Informatics,, 2019
Koha, the free and open source integrated library management system has been gaining popularity among library professionals in Kerala. This study attempts to examine the attitude, satisfaction level and perception of professionals practicing in selected university libraries in Kerala-libraries and Technology. Survey using questionnaire followed by personal interview with selected respondents was used for data collection. Majority of the professionals perceive Koha as suitable for automation needs of both smaller as well as larger libraries. Findings of the study suggest that library professionals have a positive perception towards adoption of Koha open source integrated library management system.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2020
The paper examines the challenges in the implementation of Open source library management software in academic libraries in Nigeria using the experience of Kano University of Science and Technology, Library. The case study provides an account of the level of implementation of the NewGenLib library management software, which the library has adopted in the operations of the library, the challenges to the effective implementation of the software in the library as well as the strategies for the effective implementation of the software in the library. Qualitative data was gathered from structured interviews with the University Librarian as well as the heads of departments of the library. Findings reveal that the need for effective and adequate dissemination of information to the library users; the desire to ease the work of the library staff and the desire to allow users gain easy access to information material, pushed the library to adopt newer technologies in order to accommodate growing patron demands. Presently the software has only been implemented in the cataloguing and classification operations of the library. The challenges affecting the implementation of the software in the library include lack of funds, technical expertise, power failure and poor ICT infrastructure. Proper planning, prior feasibility studies, training of staff are recommended for any library planning to adopt and implement any ILMS successfully.
2020
The paper examines the challenges in the implementation of Open source library management software in academic libraries in Nigeria using the experience of Kano University of Science and Technology, Library. The case study provides an account of the level of implementation of the NewGenLib library management software, which the library has adopted in the operations of the library, the challenges to the effective implementation of the software in the library as well as the strategies for the effective implementation of the software in the library. Qualitative data was gathered from structured interviews with the University Librarian as well as the heads of departments of the library. Findings reveal that the need for effective and adequate dissemination of information to the library users; the desire to ease the work of the library staff and the desire to allow users gain easy access to information material, pushed the library to adopt newer technologies in order to accommodate growing patron demands. Presently the software has only been implemented in the cataloguing and classification operations of the library. The challenges affecting the implementation of the software in the library include lack of funds, technical expertise, power failure and poor ICT infrastructure. Proper planning, prior feasibility studies, training of staff are recommended for any library planning to adopt and implement any ILMS successfully.
Adoption of Koha Open Source Integrated Library Management System: A Review of Literature
2020
Most of the libraries and library professionals have a positive perception towards adoption of Koha. Koha also has Web 2.0facilities like tagging, comment, social sharing and RSS feeds.Koha software is gaining popularity because of its web based architecture, Unicode compatibility, user friendliness and extensive customization possibilities. This situation demands the need for workshops, seminars and technical supports to library professionals for successful implementation of Koha. This article provided a strong theoretical base for the present study.