Two-Day National Workshop on Koha

The Department of Library and Information Science in association with C H M K Library, University of Calicut conducted a Two-Day National Workshop on Open Source Library Automation Software, Koha during 20-21 March 2009. The Workshop was inaugurated by the Calicut University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anwar Jahan Zuberi. Dr. Jalaja V, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science presided over the function. Dr. Abdul Azeez T A, University Librarian-in-charge, CHMK Library proposed vote of thanks. After the inaugural session, Sri. Madhu V T, Calicut University System Administrator taken classes on Linux followed by Sri. Tomson A J conducted classes on Koha. In the valedictory session Dr. Abdul Azeez T.A, University Librarian-in-charge presided over the function. Dr. Jalaja.V, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Calicut distributed certificates to participants. Sri. T M Vasudevan, Lecturer, DLISc welcomed the gathering. Dr. Mohamed Haneefa. K, Organizing Secretary proposed vote of thanks. The Workshop was attended by 53 Library and Information Professionals from different parts of the country.

Inauguration by Prof. Anwar Jahan Zuberi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Calicut

Introduction to Linux by Sri. Madhu V T, System Administrator, University of Calicut

Installation of Linux and Koha by Sri. Tomson A J, Librarian, Devagiri College, Calicut

Participants of the Workshop in the INFONET Centre, University of Calicut

Participants of the Workshop with Coordinators

Koha is an Integrated Library System (ILS) and was the first open source ILS. Koha was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua in New Zealand. Koha includes modules for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more. Koha uses a dual database design that utilizes the strengths of the two major industry-standard database types (text-based and RDBMS). This design feature ensures that Koha is scalable enough to meet the transaction load of any library, no matter what the size. Koha is distributed under the open-source General Public License (GPL). Libraries are free to install and use Koha themselves if they have the in-house expertise or to purchase support or development services from the best available source. Open source software is a type of software that is developed using a particular method that allows the software to be more open than other methods. It harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. As a result, open source software is of a higher quality, has higher level of reliability, is more flexible, has a lower cost than other software options, and is a feasible end to predatory vendor lock-in. Another benefit is that bugs and other aberrations can be discovered quickly and patched. This is because the coding for open source software is open and transparent. The Workshop assumes considerable significance in the context of the decision of the Government of Kerala to implement KOHA as the Library Management Software for the libraries across the State. The workshop provided extensive hands on training to the Librarians and other LIS Professionals to enable them to automate their libraries independently.