Koha is an open-source integrated library system that was first developed in New Zealand in 1999-2000. It provides core library functions such as cataloging, circulation, serials management and more through a web-based interface. Koha is free to download and use, can be customized to any language, and has a large global user community for support. For these reasons, the document recommends Koha as a cost-effective alternative to proprietary library software for Pakistani libraries.

1. Introduction to Koha
and why Pakistani libraries should consider it as
an alternative to proprietary software

2. Introduction
Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System
(ILS).
Development started in New Zealand in 1999-2000 by a
web development company called Katipo for libraries in rural
areas of New Zealand.
Katipo worked with Horowhenua Library Trust (HLT) to write
the first version of Koha, and then released the code under
the GPL (The GNU General Public License).
Sources: Wikipedia, koha-community.org, kohacon10.org.nz

3. Koha can be downloaded from the official site: www.
koha-community.org
Koha is not a company - Koha is a world-wide project
and a product.
The word Koha is a Maori word meaning gift or donation.
Koha development is steered by the collaboration of a
growing community of libraries and a team of volunteers
from around the globe.
Koha is developed using technologies like Perl (Practical
Extraction and Report Language), HTML, CSS,
Javascript, Apache and MySQL. It runs on Linux.
Sources: Wikipedia, koha-community.org, kohacon10.org.nz

4. Features of Koha
Fully web-based and all necessary library modules available to
perform traditional library operations:
Completely web based OPAC
Circulation
Cataloging
Serials control
Acquisitions
Custom Reporting
Source: http://www.web2learning.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/introkoha-lyrasis.pdf

5. OPAC: customizable, RSS feed for searches, comments /
reviews by patrons
Circulation: checking in/out, overdue notices (email, sms)
Patron Management: photos, custom fields, fine
management, history
Cataloging: data entry, copy cataloging using Z39.50
search, MARC and UNIMARC support, authority control
Serials: serials management, receive issues, track late
issues, process vendor claims, check-in supplements
Acquisitions track vendors, track orders, receive orders,
process claims, budgeting
Source: http://www.web2learning.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/introkoha-lyrasis.pdf

6. Custom Reporting:
Statistics wizards - select fields to display in table
form and generate statistics
Report wizard - Choose database fields to
generate custom reports to meet your library's
needs, SQL reports
An example of copy cataloging in Koha
Source: http://www.web2learning.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/introkoha-lyrasis.pdf

7. Source: http://koha.org/documentation/manual/3.2/cataloging/adding-records

8. Note: For copy cataloging, there is a step-by guide on http://lisolutions.
org/2011/01/11/z3950-nlp-lums/ which tells you how to define a new Z39.50 client targets
server in Koha to import MARC records from NLP and LUMS.
A good tutorial on how to stage MARC records is available at http://www.pakban.
net/brooke/tut/index.html. It uses Canadian National Catalogue to search and
download a MARC record and then import that record.
Source: http://www.pakban.net/brooke/tut/index.html

9. Why use Koha in Pakistani libraries?
Koha is free software.
Koha gives the freedom to use, share and modify it
according to your needs.
Issac Newton said "If I have seen further it is by standing
on the shoulders of giants." Koha is open source and
hence encourages innovation and implementing new
ideas.
Localization to any language.
Used by more than a thousand libraries in the world.

10. Excellent documentation in the form of manuals, wikis and
tutorials is available on the Internet.
An example would be the tutorial by Brooke Johnson who
wrote the first ever newbie guide for Koha http://www.
pakban.net/brooke/
A comparison of Koha and commercial software:
Koha Commercial
Hardware Same or Modest New and more powerful
Existing - Self learning
Staff Need paid training
possible
Support Free Must pay
Software Free Must pay

11. Important Links
Code & Documentation are shared publicly:
git.koha-community.org
http://koha-community.org/documentation/
Bugs are reported publicly:
bugs.koha-community.org
Discussions and mailing lists:
koha-community.org/support/koha-mailing-lists/
koha-community.org/get-involved/irc/

12. Thank You!
Arslan Farooq
arslanone@gmail.com