Koha (software)

Koha is an integrated library system. It is used as an open- source software world in public, university and other libraries. The name derives from the Māori word " Koha ". In the Maori culture that is a gift in which you expect a return gift.

Properties

Koha is a web-based integrated library system with an SQL database connectivity (preferably MySQL). In the database catalog data is stored according to MARC and offered via Z39.50. The user interface is configurable, can be adapted to different requirements and has been translated into many languages ​​, including into German.

Koha has the usual functions of integrated library systems such as administration of rounds and loan, inventory management, and support for periodicals such as magazines and newspapers. Moreover, functionalities such as marks, comments and RSS feeds are available. Koha has no restriction on the number of supported branches, readers, media and other data.

History

Koha was developed in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand. The first installation went live in January 2000.

From 2000, first service offered professional support for Koha. Today there are more than 20 such providers.

Since 2001, Advanced Paul Poulain (Marseille, France) Koha new skills, especially to multilingualism.

The cataloging MARC format and the network query Z39.50 protocol are supported since 2002, and later with the support of the public libraries of the Athens County in the U.S. state of Ohio. There Koha translations from English ( original ) in numerous other languages. In 2005 the company Metavore, Inc. was founded in Ohio, which provided LibLime under the name Support for Koha available and new features added. 2010 LibLime by Progressive Technology Federal Systems, Inc. ( PTFS ) was bought. Since 2009 there is a conflict between LibLime / PTFS and other members of the Koha community. In particular, the development of Koha LibLime Enterprise ( LLEK ), a commercial version of Koha with improvements that were not entered in the open source code that led to unrest in the community and strained relations between LibLime and other companies in the region Koha development and the support are active. The development of LLEK was perceived as a fork. The conflict has meant that as an alternative to the Web site operated by LibLime koha.org a community website koha - community.org was built.

In the U.S. state of Vermont, the use of Koha was clarified for all libraries in Vermont starting in 2007. Initially, an own implementation was created for each library. As a result, the Vermont Organization of Koha Automated Libraries ( VOCAL ) was established to create a common database for the libraries. This database began operating in 2011. 26 libraries in Vermont have opted for the use of Koha and have switched to the common environment of the provider Bywater Solutions.

On 8 April 2011, an employee of the Spanish Ministry of Culture announced that this develop a customized version of Koha under the name Kobli for use in the libraries of the Spanish government.

In Germany, support the Library Service Centre Baden- Württemberg since 2009 libraries in the use of Koha.

Prizes and awards

  • 2000 Not for Profit section of the Interactive New Zealand Awards
  • 2000 Lianza / 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries
  • Section 2003 for public organizations, Les Trophée du Libre
  • 2004 Use of IT in a Not-for -profit organization Computerworld Excellence Awards
School library Māori language Athens County, Ohio Fork (software development)
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