Koha Library Management System
Koha is a first open source Integrated Library System (ILS), used world-wide and was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications. It is a library standard compliant like MARC21/UNIMARC, Unicode, Z39.50, ILL, etc. The first installation went live in January 2000.
Koha allows total customization and complete control of library data at a fraction of the cost of a proprietary system and is serving the needs of a diverse range of libraries from academic to the public and from legal and research to corporate and specialist libraries.
Thousands of Koha users are already benefiting from a vibrant and enthusiastic open source community and an ILS that will never leave them out of date. It has been partially translated into 62 languages.
Koha’s main strength is its web accessibility and ease of use.
Libraries do not have to install the software on staff and user terminals.
Koha supports all library house keeping activities such as Acquisition, Cataloging, Circulation, Serial Control, Patron Management, and OPAC. It also supports Web 2.0 tools. Thus, Koha can be readily configured to the needs of each library and is updated with new features frequently.
The Spoken Tutorial effort for Koha Library Management System series has been contributed by Dr. Bella Tony, and Ms. Nancy Varkey from the Spoken Tutorial Project, IIT Bombay. The content inputs were given by Dr. Manju Naika Central Library, IIT-Bombay and domain reviews were done by Ms. Samruddhi Hawaldar, Central Library, IIT-Bombay. Novice check for the tutorials was done by Ms. Garima Sharma, BLISc student. The entire series of Koha has been edited by Arvind Pillai, Spoken Tutorial Project, IIT Bombay.
