For this assignment, I chose to take a look at the Koha Library Software system.
Unlike other library automation systems like Sirsi or Voyager which are proprietary systems that require a fee to install, Koha is entirely open source and free to use. This I believe would be a big plus for libraries operating with limited budget and resources.
Among the features included with Koha are full text searching using RDBMS (Relational database management system), a MARC compatible interface, inter-library loan, SQL reports from the latest acquisitions by the library to items in stock, along with fully customizable search functions, including a separate one for authority records (Corporate name, topical term, etc), and more.
Many of these features are relatively common ones you can find in any library automation system. Though one of the advantages with Koha being open source is that librarians have a greater degree more freedom in regards to designing and modifying the site as opposed to closed source software that places restrictions on what librarians can or cannot do. From what I've read, the customization features are fairly simple to do in Koha if one is familiar with HTML and templates. According to the Automation Marketplace article, more and more libraries are opting to use open source software like Koha and Evergreen as opposed to proprietary products.
If I can recommend Koha to both current and future librarians, it would be on the basis that it is free to use, completely customizable, has the standard set of features that proprietary software already has, and from what I've gleamed from the demo, the interface used by Koha appears to be relatively simple and consistent, provided the librarian doesn't go overboard on the complexity when it comes to designing.
And speaking of demo, Koha features demo interfaces that may give people a glimpse at what the software looks like when implemented.
For more information: http://koha-community.org/
That sounds like a great option for small schools. I do know that if the school district wants to join the Montana Shared Catalog they have to run SirsiDynix, but the cost is split among all members so they are not stuck with a full license fee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review -- I'm thrilled that someone chose KOHA. About 5 or 6 years ago, the Butte Public Library left the MT shared catalog and switched to KOHA, which was a shocking move to the library community. Butte has a fairly large library -- it's one of 6 or 7 in Montana that is classified as a "large public library" and they are the only one with that classification running an open source system. Butte Public LOVES KOHA. The Director there, who is wonderfully techie, is a great evangelist for KOHA so if anyone wanted to explore that as an option, they should speak with her. I tried to get KOHA to come to the MT Library Association this year as a vendor -- to market themselves to MT libraries and they couldn't, but they hope to next year. I think there's a place for KOHA in more MT libraries.
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