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Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System

Received: 8 February 2023    Accepted: 25 February 2023    Published: 9 March 2023
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Abstract

Academic libraries are leaning toward Koha and other affordable automation technologies in order to meet international standards and stay competitive in the modern knowledge society. Over 15,000+ libraries worldwide utilize the first open-source library management system, Koha. While managing library resources with automation is important, enhancing user involvement, engagement, and cooperation in libraries is one of the biggest issues facing information professionals. This study makes an effort to pinpoint elements or methods that influence Koha's SMART usage through a successful strategy that can also improve the environment of a library. Koha not only helps in developing ICT Skills in library professionals but also helps to develop collaboration between library staff and library users. Such collaborative educational technology platform encourages knowledge sharing and its facilitation in cost-effective way. The paper also discusses how to customize Koha, add Koha plugins, and use Koha to access social media, all of which will help any library to become TECHNO SMARTER. The SMART usage of Koha ILS (Integrated Library System) is important because it helps libraries to effectively manage their resources and provide better services to their patrons. Koha provides a centralized database to manage the library's collections, including books, periodicals, and other resources. This helps the library to keep track of its holdings and ensures that resources are properly cataloged, classified, and shelved. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for patrons to search for and access library resources. The system also integrates with other systems, such as online catalogs and digital collections, to provide a seamless experience for users. Koha automates many of the routine tasks associated with library management, such as circulation, check-ins and check-outs, and fines. This helps to reduce manual errors and increase efficiency. Koha provides a wealth of data that can be used to inform decision-making and evaluate the effectiveness of library programs and services. The system generates reports and data analytics that can be used to identify trends, track usage, and measure the impact of library initiatives. Koha is an open-source solution, which means that libraries can save money on licensing fees compared to proprietary systems. The system can also be customized to meet the specific needs of each library, further reducing costs. The SMART usage of Koha ILS provides a range of benefits to libraries, including improved resource management, enhanced user experience, increased efficiency, better data analytics, and cost savings.

Published in American Journal of Information Science and Technology (Volume 7, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14
Page(s) 30-37
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Koha, Library Management System, Library Technology, Key Competence for LIS Professionals, ILS, Library Automation

References
[1] Sonawane, C. S. (2015). Open Source Software For Library Management. NEXT GENERATION LIBRARIES ISSUES AND CHALLENGES, 122.
[2] Dutt, M., & Gaur, R. (2016). Application of Open Source Software KOHA: A Case Study of Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh. International Journal of Library and Information Management, 7 (1), 103.
[3] George, G., Bernard, S., & Sayrange, S. (2021). Koha Open-Source Library Management System: The University of Guyana Library’s Experience. Caribbean Library Journal, 6.
[4] Bwalya, T., & Akakandelwa, A. (2021). Challenges of Using Koha as a Library Management System among Libraries in Higher Education Institutions in Zambia. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 41 (02), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.41.02.15877
[5] SenthilKumaran P., & Sreeja, K. P. (2017). A STUDY ON MANAGING KOHA OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KERALA. International Journal of Research in Library Science, 3 (1), IJRLS-1224.
[6] Salma M S, & Mini Devi. (2020). ADOPTION OF KOHA OPEN SOURCE INTEGRATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE. Library Philosophy and Practice (E-Journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4424
[7] Md. Jahangir Alam, & Muhammad Mezbah-ul-Islam. (2020). ASSESSING USER SATISFACTION OF KOHA IN THE PRIVATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF BANGLADESH. The Eastern Librarian, 24 (1), 41–57.
[8] T. Igbudu, M., T. Asen, A., & M. Tyopev, C. (2020). Influence of Koha Software on Technical Operations of the Public University Libraries in North Central Nigeria. International Journal of Library Science, 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.5923/j.library.20200901.01
[9] Sharma, Y., Sharma, A., & Manju. (2018). Open Source Integrated Library Management Software KOHA: Overview & Features. Journal of Advanced Research in Library and Information Science, 5 (4), 14–19.
[10] Madhusudhan, M., & Singh, V. (2016). Integrated library management systems. The Electronic Library, 34 (2), 223–249. https://doi.org/10.1108/el-08-2014-0127
[11] Ali Raza. (2017). Migrating to Koha Integrated Library System: A Case Study. In INFORMATION ACCESS INKNOWLEDGE SOCIETY: CHANGING PARADIGMS (pp. 289–292). essay, SHREE PUBLISHERS & DISTRIBUTORS.
[12] Jesmi P. J. (2018). Koha: An Open Source Library Application Software. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY (IJERT), 3 (28), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTCONV3IS28035
[13] Koha 20.05 Manual (en) — Koha Manual 20.05 documentation. (n.d.-b). https://koha-community.org/manual/20.05/en/html/
[14] By Water Solutions. (n.d.). Why Now is the Time to Move to a Collaborative Web Based ILS Platform. https://bywatersolutions.com/. https://bywatersolutions.com/uploads/wp-content/2017/07/Case-Study__Camden-County-Library-and-Koha.pdf
[15] Gallery of customized OPACs - Koha Wiki. (n.d.). https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Gallery_of_customized_OPACs
[16] Mishra, V. K. (2016). Systematic approach of data migration, customization and implementation of Koha: a case study of Saharanpur Campus Library, IIT Roorkee. In Transforming libraries and librarianship: A Festschrift volume of late dr. Harish Chandra. essay, KBD Publication. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2080/2261.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Anant Madhav Kulkarni, Muthumari Pandiyan, Gauri Prabhas Patankar. (2023). Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System. American Journal of Information Science and Technology, 7(1), 30-37. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14

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    ACS Style

    Anant Madhav Kulkarni; Muthumari Pandiyan; Gauri Prabhas Patankar. Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System. Am. J. Inf. Sci. Technol. 2023, 7(1), 30-37. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14

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    AMA Style

    Anant Madhav Kulkarni, Muthumari Pandiyan, Gauri Prabhas Patankar. Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System. Am J Inf Sci Technol. 2023;7(1):30-37. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14,
      author = {Anant Madhav Kulkarni and Muthumari Pandiyan and Gauri Prabhas Patankar},
      title = {Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System},
      journal = {American Journal of Information Science and Technology},
      volume = {7},
      number = {1},
      pages = {30-37},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajist.20230701.14},
      abstract = {Academic libraries are leaning toward Koha and other affordable automation technologies in order to meet international standards and stay competitive in the modern knowledge society. Over 15,000+ libraries worldwide utilize the first open-source library management system, Koha. While managing library resources with automation is important, enhancing user involvement, engagement, and cooperation in libraries is one of the biggest issues facing information professionals. This study makes an effort to pinpoint elements or methods that influence Koha's SMART usage through a successful strategy that can also improve the environment of a library. Koha not only helps in developing ICT Skills in library professionals but also helps to develop collaboration between library staff and library users. Such collaborative educational technology platform encourages knowledge sharing and its facilitation in cost-effective way. The paper also discusses how to customize Koha, add Koha plugins, and use Koha to access social media, all of which will help any library to become TECHNO SMARTER. The SMART usage of Koha ILS (Integrated Library System) is important because it helps libraries to effectively manage their resources and provide better services to their patrons. Koha provides a centralized database to manage the library's collections, including books, periodicals, and other resources. This helps the library to keep track of its holdings and ensures that resources are properly cataloged, classified, and shelved. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for patrons to search for and access library resources. The system also integrates with other systems, such as online catalogs and digital collections, to provide a seamless experience for users. Koha automates many of the routine tasks associated with library management, such as circulation, check-ins and check-outs, and fines. This helps to reduce manual errors and increase efficiency. Koha provides a wealth of data that can be used to inform decision-making and evaluate the effectiveness of library programs and services. The system generates reports and data analytics that can be used to identify trends, track usage, and measure the impact of library initiatives. Koha is an open-source solution, which means that libraries can save money on licensing fees compared to proprietary systems. The system can also be customized to meet the specific needs of each library, further reducing costs. The SMART usage of Koha ILS provides a range of benefits to libraries, including improved resource management, enhanced user experience, increased efficiency, better data analytics, and cost savings.},
     year = {2023}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System
    AU  - Anant Madhav Kulkarni
    AU  - Muthumari Pandiyan
    AU  - Gauri Prabhas Patankar
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    T2  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
    JF  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
    JO  - American Journal of Information Science and Technology
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    AB  - Academic libraries are leaning toward Koha and other affordable automation technologies in order to meet international standards and stay competitive in the modern knowledge society. Over 15,000+ libraries worldwide utilize the first open-source library management system, Koha. While managing library resources with automation is important, enhancing user involvement, engagement, and cooperation in libraries is one of the biggest issues facing information professionals. This study makes an effort to pinpoint elements or methods that influence Koha's SMART usage through a successful strategy that can also improve the environment of a library. Koha not only helps in developing ICT Skills in library professionals but also helps to develop collaboration between library staff and library users. Such collaborative educational technology platform encourages knowledge sharing and its facilitation in cost-effective way. The paper also discusses how to customize Koha, add Koha plugins, and use Koha to access social media, all of which will help any library to become TECHNO SMARTER. The SMART usage of Koha ILS (Integrated Library System) is important because it helps libraries to effectively manage their resources and provide better services to their patrons. Koha provides a centralized database to manage the library's collections, including books, periodicals, and other resources. This helps the library to keep track of its holdings and ensures that resources are properly cataloged, classified, and shelved. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for patrons to search for and access library resources. The system also integrates with other systems, such as online catalogs and digital collections, to provide a seamless experience for users. Koha automates many of the routine tasks associated with library management, such as circulation, check-ins and check-outs, and fines. This helps to reduce manual errors and increase efficiency. Koha provides a wealth of data that can be used to inform decision-making and evaluate the effectiveness of library programs and services. The system generates reports and data analytics that can be used to identify trends, track usage, and measure the impact of library initiatives. Koha is an open-source solution, which means that libraries can save money on licensing fees compared to proprietary systems. The system can also be customized to meet the specific needs of each library, further reducing costs. The SMART usage of Koha ILS provides a range of benefits to libraries, including improved resource management, enhanced user experience, increased efficiency, better data analytics, and cost savings.
    VL  - 7
    IS  - 1
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Department of Library and Information Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India

  • Library Department, Government College of Arts and Science for Women, Paramakudi, India

  • Library Department, Prin. N. G. Naralkar Institute of Career Development and Research, Pune, India

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