Koha Integrated Library System Research Articles

Customization of KOHA Integrated Library System (ILS) Interface for Better Usability

This study describes the usability of KOHA Integrated Library System (ILS).KOHA is an integrated library system widely used in Nepal. The main objective of this paper is to compare the usability of KOHA ILS before and after the customization of the interface. For this, five military libraries in Nepal have been purposively surveyed which are currently using customized version of KOHA ILS. The questionnaire was developed to address the eight usability matrices. The study found that all of the military libraries surveyed have been using KOHA ILS. Before customization and update to the latest version of KOHA the librarians and the users were unable to utilize the full features of the software. It is also found that the customization of interfaces has improved the usability of KOHA ILS. Hence it is concluded that the customization of interface is required for the better usability.

Perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha integrated library systems by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria

PurposeThis paper aims to study the perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey method. The researchers designed a structured questionnaire using Google form and shared it online. Data were gathered from respondents whose libraries had adopted Koha.FindingsKoha was highly perceived useful in acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and serials operations. There was moderate adoption of Koha generally. However, it was rarely adopted for making payment and placing of orders for book purchases and serial subscriptions. Perceived usefulness had positive influence on Koha’s adoption. Inadequate training of library staff on Koha use was a major challenge to Koha adoption. Hence, it was recommended that there should be regular training on the use of Koha and strategic decisions that would enhance the useful objectives behind the gunning for Koha, should be taken and implemented by the management of libraries.Originality/valueThe study highlighted the perceived usefulness of Koha and the extent to which it has been adopted by librarians in the university libraries under study. It will avail the management of these libraries the opportunity to re-evaluate if the ILS is well maximized in terms of adoption and usefulness.

Adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) for the Automation of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Library, Katsina, Nigeria: Problems and Prospects

This study attempted to explore the gradual advancement of modern technology in libraries, it distinguished old and new innovations, creative efforts of librarians and information technologists through the various generations of automation revolution. The study also identify various components of the Integrated Library System (ILS) or Library Management System (LMS) which are used or being used in Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) library as well as the services automated by the system. The study also identifies the exact reasons for adopting KOHA in UMYU library. It also explains the impact, challenges associated with the University library automation system. The study adopted quantitative approach as research paradigm; with survey as research methods. Questionnaires were the instrument used for data collection. The population of 42 library staff was used for the study. The data for the study were analyzed using tables and frequencies. From the findings of the study the two main services fully automated were the Circulation and Cataloguing, the library adopted the use of the KOHA ILS as it was a free open source and secondly for greater opportunities and innovation. However, retrospective conversion and Low Level of Literacy were the major challenges and a setback for the KOHA ILS implementation in the library understudy. The study recommended the need for the increase investment in the automation project to speed up the implementation of automation systems.

Comparative Study of Koha Usage in Bowen University and University of Ilorin Libraries

The study is comparative on Koha usage in Bowen University and University of Ilorin Libraries. It adopted a descriptivesurvey research design. The sample size for the was 50 professional and para-professional librarians who usuallymake use of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) at the University of Ilorin library and Bowen University Library(Timothy Olagbenro Library). The questionnaire, interview and observation were used as data collection instruments.The survey was validated while the reliability coefficient of the tool using Cronbach’s Alpha found to have 0.746correlation coefficient. The IBM SPSS version 21.0 used for the analysis of the questionnaire with simple frequencycounts and percentage in tables. Similar reasons were for the adoption of Koha software in both institution libraries,and those justifications could be summarised based on philosophical and ethical reasons. The extent of Koha usage atthe University of Ilorin Library is low while its usage is very high extent Kohaat the Bowen University Library. Also,findings showed that the usage of Koha software is effective and efficient in University of Ilorin library and BowenUniversity Library. Lastly, the two selected academic libraries are not without one or two challenges in the use ofKoha. At the Bowen University Library, inadequate power supply and system crashing are the challenges affecting theirusage of Koha. Whereas at the University of Ilorin library, insufficient workforce; high cost of maintenance; inadequatefunding; lack of training and retraining of staff; and insufficient technical knowledge were the challenges faced in thepractical usage of Koha ILS. Among other recommendations, the study recommended that university libraries shouldcollaborate with ICT experts and bodies to develop personalised quality library software.

Use of Koha-integrated library system by higher education institutions in Malawi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the use of Koha integrated library system by higher education institutions in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach The study made use of the diffusion of innovation theory as an anchoring model. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to library managers of higher education institutions registered with the National Council for Higher Education in Malawi. The data collected were analyzed using SPPS version 21 to generate descriptive statistics. Findings The findings revealed that 84.2 per cent of libraries in higher education institutions in Malawi are automated, and 81.3 per cent of them are using Koha ILS and the rest were using proprietary and other open source software. Cost and technical aspects have been discovered to be the primary factors that have assisted in the rapid diffusion of Koha. The study also exposed some factors that negatively impacted the use of Koha in the adopting institutions. The main ones included lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, unreliable Internet connectivity and limited finances. Originality/value Previously, some small-scale case studies have been performed to examine implementation of Koha in some higher education institutions in Malawi. However, this is the first large-scale attempt to investigate use of Koha among higher education institutions in the country. Findings that have shown that Koha can be installed easily and used at minimal cost could assist in its rapid adoption in the higher education institutions, a majority of whom face a myriad of financial challenges.

Zastosowanie oprogramowania open source w dostępie do informacji o zbiorach. Koha - zintegrowany system biblioteczny

The article presents information about public services and access to them using new technologies. One of them is information about library collections. This type of services is realized in libraries using commercial products or open source software. The article presents procedures related to preparing the environment (Debian) for the installation of Koha integrated library system and the process of its installation and configuration.

An Investigation on Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in Use in University Libraries in Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigates Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in use in university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. It is a descriptive survey. All National Univer-sities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria accredited universities in Osun State were selected for the study. Structured interviews (personal and telephonic) and ob-servations were the main tools used to collect data for the study. Four (4) re-search questions were formulated for the study. Simple frequencies and per-centages were used to analyze the data collected. The findings of the study in-dicated 70 of the surveyed libraries have been automated. 90% of the automated libraries adopted KOHA Integrated Library System while 10% adopted VIRTUAL. 14.28% libraries have been fully automated while 85.71% libraries are at advance stage of automation. The study also revealed reasons for which libraries adopted a particular integrated library system to include: comprehensive functionality; library standards compliant; popularity among libraries in Nigeria; technical feasibility and support; web-based interfaces; freedom to change support company or its vendor; being an open source, and upgradability. It recommends that libraries should cooperate together to share resources and experiences to overcome libraries' financial and skills limitations.

The Kansas story: a sea of Koha green on the plains

Purpose Three of the seven regional systems in Kansas report on the history and use of the open-source Koha integrated library system (ILS) in their regions. Design/methodology/approach Each of the systems wrote up their experiences and then they collaborated on sections that discussed how they work together to achieve success with this product. Findings Each of the systems will continue to use the Koha software, and there are a few stand-alone instances of Koha already in place in Kansas. Development and advocacy of the product will be continued by all three of the systems. Originality/value This is a rare instance of three separate consortia coming together to work on improving everyone’s experience with an open-source ILS. The authors feel that the experiences they have had with this software are of value to anyone considering making use of it.

Implementing the open-source Koha-ILS at the Deutsche Schule Charlotte

Purpose This study aims to present the successful implementation of the Koha-integrated library system (ILS) for libraries that seek an open-source alternative. This study is best suited for small libraries with limited collections and limited funding. The selection process between Koha and Evergreen is described, as is cataloging, patron setup and library workflow changes. Finally, lessons learned are presented. Design/methodology/approach This is a case study which describes the events as they occurred between 2013 and 2014. Findings The Koha-ILS appears to be the open-source system with the most online support, easiest to install and manage. Although the experience of libraries may vary, the Deutsche Schule Charlotte library took the pragmatic approach. Koha was chosen because it could be successfully installed, had an intuitive and web-based interface and could be easily explained to volunteers. Research limitations/implications This is a single case study at a very small library. Practical implications This study broadly demonstrates the requirements for implementing the Koha-ILS and how it can be accomplished even with library volunteers. Social implications The Koha-ILS can be a good alternative, despite limitations, for small libraries who need a robust ILS system with few bells and whistles. Originality/value This study presents a finite view of the implementation and use of the Koha-ILS. The physical setting, availability of capable volunteers and administration’s willingness to experiment with a system may not be reproducible in other locales.

Reports Generation with Koha Integrated Library System (ILS):

The paper showcases various library house-keeping reports that can be generated effortlessly using Koha ILS. Examples of reports generated in Bowen University Library include Circulation, Acquisitions and Cataloguing/Classification reports. Circulation activity reports like user registration, patron category, overdue payments, item issue, returns and renewals are showcased. Acquisition reports highlighted include acquisitions by purchase and donation, expenditure on acquisitions and also by branch libraries, additions to the library collection and the status of the library database as required. Cataloguing reports such as additions of items to the entire library network, total item count and summation of item types are also highlighted. The paper concludes by sensitising libraries using Koha ILS of the unlimited potentials of Koha ILS for reports generation.

Implementing the Koha integrated library system at the Independent University, Bangladesh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the implementation of the Koha open-source integrated library system (ILS) at the Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) Library, stated how much easy it is to implement Koha in a library and encouraged library professionals to implement Koha in their libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the author’s practical experiences regarding implementation of the Koha open-source ILS. Findings – Koha has those functionalities which can fulfill the library automation need of the IUB Library. That is why Koha is selected. Other librarians can easily implement Koha in their libraries. Practical implications – This paper will help librarians to implement Koha in a practical way to their libraries. The author implemented Koha at the IUB Library within three months, and the author used migrated data from Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System to MARC-21 for books and made new MARC-21 records for movies. Originality/value – The author is the youngest library professional who implemented Koha at a private university library in Bangladesh. This will influence librarians to learn Koha and implement it in their libraries.

Building Cataloging Capacity for Libraries in South Sudan: A North–South–South Collaboration

In the developing world, a common trend is to have north–south collaborations constituting most of the continuous professional development (CPD) activities for librarians. The emerging drift highlighted in this article is a north–south–south initiative aimed at rebuilding the University of Juba Library through capacity-building of the library staff. This article will illuminate the process of equipping library staff with cataloging skills in the absence of previous library training. This endeavor is a result of the collaborative efforts of Makerere University Library (MakLib) in Uganda and the University of Bergen Library (UoBL) in Norway under the Juba Library Automation Project (JULAP). JULAP's main objective is to rebuild the University of Juba Library with the components of library automation and training of library staff. This article will concentrate on the practical training of the library staff in cataloging and the hands-on training on the Koha integrated library system to lay the groundwork for computerized library services for the University of Juba. This article will also highlight the challenges and lessons learned so far while articulating strategies for the future.