Koha is the first open-source integrated library system, developed from 1999-2000, and is defined by the Maori word for 'gift'. It features a web-based client/server model, supports various library functions, and is built on a LAMP platform. Koha is favored by libraries worldwide for its innovation, reliability, and the freedom it offers in terms of usage and modification.

1. Introduction to Koha
By: Ata ur Rehman
ata.rehman@gmail.com

2. Sequence
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 Koha
 What
 Why
 How

3. What?
 The word Koha is a Maori (New Zealand Local Language) word - meaning
gift or donation
 Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System/Software (ILS)
 Work on Koha was started during 1999-2000 by Katipo and Horowhenua
Library Trust (HLT), and it was released under General Public License (A
real gift)
 Koha is not a company - Koha is a world-wide project and a product
 Koha is developed using technologies like Perl, HTML, CSS, JavaScript,
Apache and MariaDB/MySQL. Only for Linux.
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4. What?  Features
 Completely Web-Based
 Client/Server Model
 LAMP Platform (Linux, Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, Perl)
 Modules
 Acquisition, Cataloging, Circulation, Patrons, Serials, OPAC, Reports
 International Library Standards/Protocols
 MARC/RDF, OAI-PMH, SIP, Z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2, SIP/NCIP
 Dual Database
 MariaDB/MySQL
 Zebra Indexing Server
 Free – No Vendor Lock-in
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5. Koha - Architecture
Components
Operating System - Linux
DBMS – MariaDB / MySQL
Web Server - Apache
Programming / Scripting
Language - Perl
LAMP
Model
Web Based
Client / Server Based
What?  Architecture
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6. Why?
 Free: Freedom to use, modify, distribute
 First Free and Open Source Software
 Favorite Software of Libraries of the World (Thousands of Users)
 Koha is innovative and uses Modern Technologies
 Best documentation/Manual
 Reliable, Secure and Stable
 Koha: 17 years of collective community knowledge base (1999-date)
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7. Why: FOSS vs Proprietary Software
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S. No Core services Alice Libsys
New
Genlib
Soul VTLS Libsuite Koha
01 Acquisition       
02 Cataloguing       
03 Circulation       
04 Web/OPAC       
05 Serials       
06 Biblio format       
07 Data exchange       
08 Standards       
09 Multilibrary X X X  X X 
10 No user/data limit X X 
09 Cost (Approx.)
3.5
Lakh
4.5
Lakh
3.5
Lakh
1.0
Lakh
8.00
Lakh
4.5
lakh
FREE

8. How?
 Think  Re-think  Re-think
 Plan  Long-term
 Advantages & Disadvantages  Both Commercial and Open Source
Software
 Migration  Its not easy  but its one time process 
 Remember: Software is Free – Resources / Human Resources are not free
 Resources
 Hardware / Infrastructure
 Human Resources
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9. How?
 Getting Koha
 Live CD/DVD
 Manual Installation
 Configuration / As per need of your organization
 Capacity Building
 Trainings/Workshops, Seminars/Webinars
 Support
 Documentation
 Mailing Lists
 Wikis
 Tutorials
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10. Sources / Useful Links
 TLS: http://www.lisolutions.org/tls
 Koha: http://www.koha-community.org
 SlideShare: Arsalan Farooq
 SlideShare: Libsoul Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
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11. Thank You!
www.facebook.com/ataurrehman
ata.rehman@gmail.com
www.twitter.com/ataurrehman
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