Why koha should be considered as an option for your library

Choosing an appropriate ILS is a decision that any library making plans for automation, would make and it is always important for such library to have a thorough evaluation of available systems before eventually settling for any ILS. There are basic selection criteria that could be used to ascertain whether a particular ILS is suitable for your library such as ability to cater for in-house operations, flexibility and ease of use, cost, to mention a few.
Based on these and other criteria, I recommend Koha ILS as an appropriate option for your library.

What is Koha?

Koha is a free and Open Source integrated library system initially developed in 1999 by Katipo communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust. Koha is the first Free and Open Source software to be developed and its huge benefits have earned it a wide recognition all over the world.

Why use Koha?

Adoptable for any library: Koha is being used in over 300 libraries worldwide spanning from   Academic, Research, Public and School libraries. So irrespective of the category your library belongs to, Koha is ideal for you.

Easy to customize: The concept of Koha being a free and open source is in its source code. Unlike proprietary software, Koha’s source code is available for anyone to download and modify to enable the software meet the exact needs of the library. There are no restrictions on how the software should be used; using the software is just another way of contributing to its further development.

High functionality: Koha contains the necessary modules that can cater for every library’s needs irrespective of its kind and there are other advanced options for anticipated functions. Modules in Koha include circulation, cataloguing, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, to mention a few. New modules are continually developed and incorporated into the software as development progresses and certain needs emerge, which are either released as a newer version or a further development of a current version.

OPAC: One very nice feature of Koha is its full functioned Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). It is very easy to use and your users do not need to acquire additional skills to enable them use the OPAC. With the OPAC, students are able to carry out searches and access resources, place reservations on resources and send suggestions for acquisition easily.

Support from community of users: Koha has a large community of users made up of developers and other users of the software from different parts of the world. Becoming a Koha user gives you access to community and freedom to get answers to whatever issues you might have. There is also the high possibility of finding people running your type of library and could provide as much help as you need. In addition to this, you can also get paid support from any technical company you wish to.

Cost effective: unlike proprietary software that demands license fees and others, Koha is free and can be easily deployed for use. However, you may need to pay for technical support and installation from a technical company. Koha has all the features of proprietary software and more and is continually maintained by its community of developers.

There are so many other reasons why I recommend Koha for your library. The reasons above are just a fraction of the whole, to give you an overview of Koha and should set your mind on the possibility of giving Koha a trial, which is what I am encouraging you to do. You have so much to gain and if you’ll have to lose anything, it would be almost nothing!

References
Koha (2010) About Koha software. Retrieved from http://koha-community.org/about/

Pajewski, A. (2010). Koha ILS: Right for your library? Retrieved from http://librarynoob.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/koha-ils-right-for-your-library/

Bywater solutions. (2013) What is Koha. Retrieved from http://bywatersolutions.com/what-is-koha/

Sangeeta, K. Open Source ILS software: Koha. Retrieved from www.naclin.org/KOHA%20PRESENTATION.ppt