open sourse library management solutions

Open Source ILS Open Source ILS Software:Software:

KOHA KOHAan experience an experience

ByBy

Sangeeta Kaul KaulNetwork Manager ,

DELNETNew Delhi, India

Email : [email protected]

Web : www.delnet.nic.in

What does Open Source mean?

The term “open source” refers to software The term “open source” refers to software that is free and that includes the original that is free and that includes the original source code used to create it so that users source code used to create it so that users can modify it to make it work better for can modify it to make it work better for them. them.

open source software may be free, a open source software may be free, a developer or distributor may charge for developer or distributor may charge for services, including special programming, services, including special programming, installation, training, and technical installation, training, and technical support. support.

Quality, not profit drives open source Quality, not profit drives open source developers who take personal pride. developers who take personal pride. Simple use it and is not locked any single Simple use it and is not locked any single person or institution.person or institution.

Advantages of Open Source Advantages of Open Source Software :Software :

Ability to tailor to fit local needs Ability to tailor to fit local needs ::

The availability of the source code means The availability of the source code means that a user can modify and enhance the that a user can modify and enhance the software to more closely fit its own needs .software to more closely fit its own needs .

No restriction on useNo restriction on use : :

There are no contractual restrictions on There are no contractual restrictions on how the software is used .how the software is used .

Low costLow cost : : There is no charge for the software itself. There is no charge for the software itself.

The major cost is local development. If the The major cost is local development. If the number of users is large, and they share number of users is large, and they share their efforts, each user’s cost is reduced.their efforts, each user’s cost is reduced.

Disadvantages of Open Source Disadvantages of Open Source Software:Software:

Unanticipated Efforts Unanticipated Efforts :: A library may find A library may find that it needs to do a great deal more work than that it needs to do a great deal more work than anticipated to adapt the software to local needs. anticipated to adapt the software to local needs.

Lack of coordination Lack of coordination :: The decentralized The decentralized development of open source software means that development of open source software means that progress can be chaotic and there may be delays progress can be chaotic and there may be delays in addressing bugs. in addressing bugs.

Inadequate technical support Inadequate technical support :: Documentation tends to be limited and aimed at Documentation tends to be limited and aimed at developers. There usually is limited technical developers. There usually is limited technical support, especially for users of the software support, especially for users of the software

CustomizationCustomization : : Open source software may not Open source software may not offer the level of customization as it is being offer the level of customization as it is being done in case of commercial software. done in case of commercial software.

Open Source Integrated Open Source Integrated Library System Products Library System Products :: MicroLCMicroLC

S, S, EmildaEmilda EvergreEvergre

enen FireFlyFireFly GNUTecGNUTec

aa AvantiAvanti

KohaKoha OpenBiblioOpenBiblio phpMyLibraphpMyLibra

ryry PMB PMB PYTHEASPYTHEAS WEBLIS.WEBLIS.

Criteria for Evaluating Criteria for Evaluating Open Source Integrated Open Source Integrated Library Systems :Library Systems :

There is active current development under way.There is active current development under way. At least the cataloging, circulation, patron At least the cataloging, circulation, patron

access catalog modules, acquisitions and access catalog modules, acquisitions and serials control should be available. It should be serials control should be available. It should be Integrated library system.

MARC is supportedMARC is supported.. Current source code and documentation are Current source code and documentation are

available for downloading under the GNU available for downloading under the GNU General Public License General Public License

The product is currently in use in libraries.The product is currently in use in libraries. Scalability Scalability Adaptability and user friendly system.

What is Koha ?What is Koha ? Koha is a full featured Integrated Library System

(ILS). there is no cost for the license, you have the freedom to modify the product to adapt it to your needs, etc.

Developed initially in New Zealand by Katipo Communications with Horowhenua Library Trust.

It is currently maintained by a dedicated team of software providers and library technology staff from around the globe.

That by adopting it, the customer becomes "joint owner " of the product. In particular, the customer can freely install new versions or not, and can take part in new developments by financing them or by carrying them out them self.

Why Open Source Software Koha: Proven, Stable Technologies: Koha is tried and

tested and has demonstrated both stability and scalability, used in hundreds of libraries worldwide.

Software Collaboration and Resource Sharing: software solutions that are freely available to all libraries worldwide. libraries benefits from the contributions of other participating library systems.

Long term Support:With proprietary software, source code is 'closed' and support and future development of the product rely on the success and resources of a single vendor. If the vendor goes under, so does your product support. open-source solutions rely on stable code bases developed and supported by many providers worldwide.

User-driven: open-source software user-driven--you decide what features are important and deserve attention rather than a vendor.

continued----

Why Open Source Software Koha: Cost-effective: paying licensing fees for proprietary

solutions, users of open-source software can often deploy the product using in-house resources. They pay only for needed support or any additional vendor services they require.

Innovation: code is open, users are free to innovate and improve the software to meet their needs Free innovation also means that open-source software has much faster development cycles when compared to proprietary software.

Free/open source software koha is an economical alternative to reliance upon commercially supplied software. It means the cost involved development, license, upgrading, maintenance etc., lower than commercial software. koha does not need the initial cost like commercial software.

Free/Open source Koha has all the feature of commercial software.

Motivate and encourage staff to creativities.

What does it cost Koha?Koha?

Free/open source software Free download under the GNU General Public License.

Users of open-source software Koha can often deploy yourself using in-house resources. They pay only for needed support or any additional vendor services they require.

It means the cost involved development, upgrading, maintenance etc., Koha does not need the initial cost like commercial software.

Here cost means commitment, dedication, and a long term efforts to sustain and development of the software.

Who uses Koha?

More than 300 libraries are using Koha, including academic, public, school and special libraries, in Africa, Australia,Canada, USA, France, India and, of course, New Zealand. Along with a committed team of programmers its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology

NameName TypeType websitewebsite

Antioch UniversityAntioch University AcademicAcademic http://http://library.afognak.orglibrary.afognak.org//

Northland Bible Baptist Northland Bible Baptist CollegeCollege

AcademicAcademic https://libcat.nbbc.edu/https://libcat.nbbc.edu/

Childcare Resource and Childcare Resource and Research Unit – Research Unit – University of Toronto University of Toronto

AcademicAcademic http://http://circonline.cacirconline.ca

West Liberty Public West Liberty Public LibraryLibrary

PublicPublic http://http://opac.wlpl.orgopac.wlpl.org

Nelsonville Public Nelsonville Public Library System (7 Library System (7 library brancheslibrary branches

PublicPublic http://http://search.athenscounty.lib.search.athenscounty.lib.oh.us/oh.us/

Horowhenua Library Horowhenua Library TrustTrust

PublicPublic http://http://www.library.org.nz/www.library.org.nz/

Asian School of Asian School of Business,Trivandrum Business,Trivandrum KeralaKerala

Business Business schoolschool

www.asb.edu.inwww.asb.edu.in

Koha User

Koha and Commercial LMS:Koha and Commercial LMS:S.NS.Noo

Core servicesCore services AliceAlice LibsysLibsys New New GenliGenlibb

SoulSoul VTLSVTLS LibsuiLibsuitete

KohKohaa

0101 AcquisitionAcquisition 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0202 CataloguingCataloguing 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0303 CirculationCirculation 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0404 Web/OPACWeb/OPAC 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0505 SerialsSerials 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0606 Biblio Biblio formatformat

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

0707 Data Data exchangeexchange

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

1010 StandardsStandards 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

1111 Cost(ApproCost(Approx.)x.)

3.5 3.5 LakhLakh

4.5 4.5

LakhLakhOpen Open

SourceSource5000050000 8.008.00

LakhLakh4.54.5

LakhLakhOpen Open SourcSourc

ee

Koha FeatureKoha Feature A full featured modern integrated library software (ILS).A full featured modern integrated library software (ILS). Award winning and fAward winning and free/Open-source Software.(no license fee).(no license fee). OS independent any operating system. Linux, Unix, Mac.OS independent any operating system. Linux, Unix, Mac. Web based. Web based. Web-based Interfaces. We can integrate with website. We can integrate with website. Full MARC21 and UNIMARC support for professional cataloguing.Full MARC21 and UNIMARC support for professional cataloguing. Multilingual and multi-user supportMultilingual and multi-user support Library-Standards-Compliant. industrial standards & protocols.industrial standards & protocols. Z39.50 server.Z39.50 server. Customizable web based opac.circulation system.Customizable web based opac.circulation system. Online reservation.Online reservation. Full catalogue, circulation, acquisitions, library stock management.Full catalogue, circulation, acquisitions, library stock management. Web based OPAC, public to search the catalogue.Web based OPAC, public to search the catalogue. Major industry-standard database type (text, RDBMS), SQL,MYSQL.Major industry-standard database type (text, RDBMS), SQL,MYSQL. Serial management module. Serial management module. Print your barcode.Print your barcode. Export and import records, ISO2709Export and import records, ISO2709

Koha System Architecture:Koha System Architecture:

Koha is based on a client-server architecture. Network Server: koha can be installed on a server

running Linux, Unix, Mac.The recommended operating system is stable version of Debian Linux, although Koha can run on any modern operating system.

Client Workstations: Koha requires only a web browser on the workstation (a graphical browser, or even a text browser for the OPAC). Koha thus functions on PCs running Windows,PCs running Linux, Macs, or even UNIX workstations.

Koha runs over any TCP-IP network. Koha accommodates low-bandwidth connections. It is completely

usable on ordinary telephone line connections. This is more true of the librarian interface than of the public interface (OPAC).

The developers of the product have taken care to adhere strictly to international standards.

Industry standards: Z39.50, UNIMARC, ISO2709, MARC21.

For technical standards: the OPAC is "valid XHTML ", and respects the standards of accessibility.

Web standards recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium.

Koha StandardsKoha Standards

Koha version 2.2.9 Free (download Koha version 2.2.9 Free (download fromfrom http://www.koha.org/http://www.koha.org/

Apache web server, 2.0.58 free Apache web server, 2.0.58 free (download from (download from (http://www.apache.org)

MySQL. Relational Database Management System (http://www.mysql.com) free

Perl modules 5.8.(http://www.cpan.org). free. Linux (RHEL 3.0, 4.0, 5.0) or Any flavour of

LINUX or WINDOWS Server

Koha Requirement:Koha Requirement:

Server operating system: Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, MacOS X, or any other Unix.

Web server: Apache.

Programming language: Perl.

Database:MySQL.

Integrated Library software: Koha 2.2.9

Koha Server Software:Koha Server Software:

Koha Client Software:Koha Client Software: Koha requires a recent Internet browser.

Mozilla is advised, but not obligatory. (Koha works with Internet Explorer.).

Certain data validity checks are made on the client machine, JavaScript must be enabled.

The public interface (OPAC) conforms with XHTML1.0 standards: the utility is thus compatible with alternate browsers. In particular, the OPAC can be used by people needing special assistive technology (Braille browsers, voice synthesis, text-based broswers, etc.).

Skill Requirements To Operate Skill Requirements To Operate System:System:

Koha's interfaces are designed with Koha's interfaces are designed with usability in mind and are extremely user usability in mind and are extremely user friendly.friendly.

Staff and patrons with only basic Staff and patrons with only basic computer skills have quickly learned to computer skills have quickly learned to use the system efficiently.use the system efficiently.

The cataloging module requires an The cataloging module requires an understanding of cataloging practices understanding of cataloging practices such as MARC, Z30.50 retrieval tools, such as MARC, Z30.50 retrieval tools, how to add holdings information, etc.how to add holdings information, etc.

Administrators should know operating Administrators should know operating system (Linux, etc.)for maintenance, system (Linux, etc.)for maintenance, some knowledge of cataloging in setting some knowledge of cataloging in setting up the system preferences.up the system preferences.

System Overview:

Koha Modules:Koha Modules: OPAC Full catalogue. Circulation. Serials. Acquisition. Patron Management. Branch management. Reservations.

Koha provides a full-functioned Online Public Access Koha provides a full-functioned Online Public Access

Catalog (OPAC).Catalog (OPAC).

OPAC users can carry out searches starting from ten OPAC users can carry out searches starting from ten

fields (Keyword, Subject, Title, Class, fields (Keyword, Subject, Title, Class, BarcodeBarcode, author, , author,

publisher, etc.). As in the librarian interface, they can publisher, etc.). As in the librarian interface, they can

order the results according to several criteria.order the results according to several criteria.

OPAC users who are logged-in members can place OPAC users who are logged-in members can place

reservations on library items.reservations on library items.

Bibilio basket:Logged-in members can select records Bibilio basket:Logged-in members can select records

from an OPAC search and retrieve them by e-mall, from an OPAC search and retrieve them by e-mall,

either in human-readable form or in an ISO2709-format either in human-readable form or in an ISO2709-format

file. An ISO2709 file can be processed using file. An ISO2709 file can be processed using

bibliographic software like End Note.bibliographic software like End Note.

OPAC users can submit suggestions for acquisition. OPAC users can submit suggestions for acquisition.

Koha automatically informs the OPAC user (by e-mall) Koha automatically informs the OPAC user (by e-mall)

of the action taken on each suggestion.of the action taken on each suggestion.

Koha OPAC Module:Koha OPAC Module:

The administrator can allot one or more of the following capabilities to each staff member:

Super-librarian: access to all functions. Circulation: carry out circulation tasks. Catalogue: search the catalogue. Parameters: administer the system parameters. Borrowers: manage the public users (addition,

modification, restriction, etc.). Permissions: administer staff access to functions. Reserves for others: place reserves on items for any

borrower. Reserves for oneself: place reserves for oneself Loan: loan items to borrowers. Cataloguing: manage the catalogue. Charges: manage the fines and fees levied against

members.

Koha Koha Delegation of Authority::

The members (borrowers) module makes it possible to manage not only individual borrowers, but also institutions.

Each member belongs to a category. The member category defines:The minimum and maximum ages for members of the category• The cost of placing a reservation on an item (when it is applicable in the library)• The rules of circulation.

By entering the borrower's library card number into the librarian interface, the librarian can:

See the financial standing of the borrower (charges due). See the borrower's reservations, and his/her outstanding loans. Set permission flags (for the librarian members).

Koha Koha Members Module:

Borrowing a book from any branch (not Borrowing a book from any branch (not just the branch where the borrower first just the branch where the borrower first registered)registered)

Returning an item at any branchReturning an item at any branch Reserving an item for at any branch. Reserving an item for at any branch. Circulation rules can be defined very Circulation rules can be defined very

finely by the library: for each member finely by the library: for each member category, item category, and holding category, item category, and holding branch of the item, the duration of the branch of the item, the duration of the loan and the maximum number of books loan and the maximum number of books loan able can be defined.loan able can be defined.

Returning items ("checking-in") is Returning items ("checking-in") is extremely easy: Simply scan the extremely easy: Simply scan the barcodes of the items being returned.barcodes of the items being returned.

Koha Circulation Koha Circulation module:module:

MARC Management :The cataloguing module is one of the principal strong points of Koha.Several "frameworks " can be defined to do different cataloguing for monographs, electronic resources,periodicals, etc.

Export/Import:Importing records in ISO2709 format (the MARC reservoir) and through Z39.50 (client) for fast cataloguing.

Copy records:One or more copy records can be attached to each bibliographic record.

Fast cataloguing:To accelerate cataloguing, Koha provides, Management of a MARC record reservoir, in ISO2709 format, A Z39.50 client that can access several Z39.50 servers

MARC view and simple view:Catalogue data can be displayed in MARC format, in simplified form.

Searching:searches can be performed on any MARC field. Advanced functions, search on one word, the beginning of the field, greater than, less than, etc are also available.

Koha Cataloguing Module:Koha Cataloguing Module:

Koha Serials Module:Koha Serials Module: It is possible to register subscriptions with reviews, and to

track the arrival of periodicals. Koha manages late issues, skipped issues, and claims with

the suppliers. Koha manages complex classifications, allowing the

librarian to work with eleven different publication periods (from daily newspapers to annual publications), with delayed publications, and with publications out of sequence.

A state of the collection can be defined which will synthesize the missing publications, received publications,etc.

The state of the collection can be displayed differently in the OPAC and in the librarian interface.

Simple acquisitions:The simple acquisitions module makes it possible to acquire materials and add them directly to the catalogue.It does not manage budgetary matters, the orders placed with the suppliers, etc.

Full acquisitions:The full acquisitions module makes it possible to manage:Budgets and book funds:Budget available, Committed, Spent Suppliers.Orders, via 'shopping baskets‘.

Koha Acquisition Koha Acquisition Module:Module:

The architecture of Koha divides the software into three different layers..

The database layer, which manages access to the DBMS (database management system)

The processing layer, which manages the processes required by the user

The formatting layer, which contains templates for the HTML presentation

The visible interface of the software is thus entirely customizable. Koha's Intranet and OPAC by selecting from several 'themes'

The librarian interface uses cascading style sheets (CSS). It is more coherent and easier to follow than was the case in version 2.0.

Koha Koha Personalization:

Koha allows you to set various parameters which control the operating environment of the library:

Library branches: defining branch categories, branches, and contact information.

Item types: Define library items.set rental charges of any amount to users for borrowing items.

Not for loan" for item types such which do not leave the library; issuing

Define Borrower Categories: Set “Category Codes”, “Descriptions”,

“Enrollment Periods”, "Upper Age Limit" and "Age Required" for each user type;

Issuing rules: define issuing and fines based on borrower categories, item types, and circulation units (matrix-based rule set);

Stop words: improve list all of the words Koha should ignore when performing catalog searches or building the index

Z39.50: define servers for searching using Koha's Z39.50 client (for cataloging); to add servers, enter the domain name or IP address of the server, the port number to use, and the name of the database to access.

Book funds: set up accounts that keep track of expenditures for library materials.

Koha Koha Operating Parameters::

Koha Koha Back-up Software:

SSH-tunneled MySQL replication.SSH-tunneled MySQL replication. Database dumps using the mysql dump Database dumps using the mysql dump

utilityutility On the hardware level, the production On the hardware level, the production

system utilizes a two-disk RAID 1 system utilizes a two-disk RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy in configuration for data redundancy in the event of single-disk hardware the event of single-disk hardware failure. The system partitions use the failure. The system partitions use the Reiserfs journaling file system which Reiserfs journaling file system which provides another point of data provides another point of data redundancyredundancy

Koha ResourcesKoha Resources : : http://kohadocs.org koha documentation project http://koha.org/manual The official Koha manual http://www.skemotah.com/ Stephen Hedges' Koha migration

guide Migrating_to_Koha.html http://athenscounty.lib.oh.us/koha.html Joshua Ferraro's Koha

installation guide and other Koha documents http://sourceforge.net/projects/koha Koha project CVS host

(2.2/2.0 source code repository/download) http://www.mjr.dsl.pipex.com/ Koha project Arch host (2.0

source code/repository/download) http://koha.org/wiki KohaWiki http://bugs.koha.org Koha bug reporting system http://koha.org/mailing/ Koha mailing lists page http://koha.org/irc/ Koha IRC logs http://koha.org Koha Homepage http://www.ttllp.co.uk/koha/ Koha England

Frequently Asked Frequently Asked QuestionsQuestions

Collection SizeCollection Size- How many books Record can koha handle?- How many books Record can koha handle? ReadersReaders- How many readers can koha handle?- How many readers can koha handle? CirculationCirculation- How many transaction can koha handle per - How many transaction can koha handle per

year?year? Biggest LibraryBiggest Library- which is the biggest among those who - which is the biggest among those who

uses?uses?

Answers from the users and DevelopersAnswers from the users and Developers All the data i.e. records, readers, circulations data is stored All the data i.e. records, readers, circulations data is stored

in database mysql. All the limitation are enforced by in database mysql. All the limitation are enforced by database and your hardware, network connectivity , not by database and your hardware, network connectivity , not by the software.the software.

Nelsonville Public Library System, Athens County OH, USA 7 branches; 300,000 items; 50,000 borrowers; 600,000 annual circulation OPAC: http:// search.athenscounty.lib.oh.us

The Harward County library system is switched to koha The Harward County library system is switched to koha recently and they do transaction 50,00,000 issue per year.recently and they do transaction 50,00,000 issue per year.

North East University Library, Cyprus 2 million records OPAC: http://library.neu.edu.tr

open sourse library management solutions

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