Koha Library Software

 

Koha Library Software is the world’s first open-source Integrated Library Management System (ILS). It was initially developed in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand.

Key Development Timeline:

1999: Koha was created by Chris Cormack, a software developer at Katipo Communications, in response to the need for an affordable, flexible library management system for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand.

2000: Koha was released as open-source software, making it freely available to libraries worldwide. It gained popularity quickly due to its flexibility, customization options, and cost-effectiveness.

2005: The Koha community grew significantly, and many libraries began adopting it globally, further improving the software with contributions from developers around the world.

Latest Version:

As of February 2025, the latest stable release of Koha is version 23.05 (released in May 2023). The Koha community releases new versions regularly, typically every six months. These updates include bug fixes, new features, and improvements based on user feedback and contributions from the global Koha community.

Where is Koha Developed?

Global Development: Although Koha was initially developed in New Zealand, it is now maintained and enhanced by a global community of developers, librarians, and organizations. The Koha community is active in many countries, and contributions come from a diverse range of institutions worldwide.

Community-Driven: The development of Koha is community-driven, with regular releases, updates, and bug fixes contributed by developers and library professionals from different parts of the world.

Summary:

Developed in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust (New Zealand).

Released as open-source in 2000.

Latest version: 23.05 (released in May 2023).

Developed and maintained by a global community of developers and library professionals.

Koha is a powerful open-source Integrated Library Management System (ILS) designed to automate and manage library functions efficiently. It is widely used by libraries around the world, offering a range of modules and features to support the management of library resources and services. Here is an overview of Koha's modules and key features:

Koha Modules

1. Cataloging

Function: Manages bibliographic records for all types of library materials, ensuring accurate and efficient cataloging.

Key Features:

Full MARC Records: Koha supports full MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records, enabling comprehensive and standardized bibliographic information.

Classification Systems: Supports widely used classification systems such as Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC).

AACR2 Rule Compliance: Follows the AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules) for consistent and standardized cataloging practices.

2. Circulation

Function: Handles the borrowing, returning, and renewing of library materials, helping manage the flow of items in and out of the library.

Key Features:

Lending: Tracks which items are checked out and when they are due back.

Returns: Manages the return of items and updates availability status.

Renewals: Allows patrons to renew items they have borrowed (if no one else has reserved them).

Overdue Management: Keeps track of overdue materials and calculates fines if necessary.

3. Reports

Function: Provides access to all data stored in Koha, allowing the creation of custom reports for library management.

Key Features:

Custom Reports: Users can create customized reports to analyze library operations, acquisitions, circulation, and more.

Predefined Reports: Koha includes several predefined reports that cover various library activities, such as circulation statistics, overdue items, and acquisition details.

4. Patron Services

Function: Manages information about library patrons (users), including account creation, updates, and maintenance.

Key Features:

Patron Registration: Creates and maintains patron accounts, including personal details and borrowing privileges.

Account Management: Allows patrons to view their borrowing history, current loans, fines, and renewals.

User Categories: Different user categories (e.g., students, faculty, staff) can be created, with tailored borrowing rules and privileges.

5. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Function: Provides a simple and intuitive interface for library users to search for and reserve items.

Key Features:

Search Functionality: Users can search for materials by title, author, subject, and other criteria.

Reserve Items: Patrons can reserve items that are currently checked out.

Availability Information: Displays real-time information on the availability of items.

User-Friendly Interface: The OPAC is designed to be simple and easy to use, offering a clean, navigable layout for searching and browsing the catalog.

---

Other Key Features of Koha

1. Customization

Function: Koha is an open-source system, meaning users can modify its source code to meet local or institutional needs.

Key Features:

Tailored Functionality: Libraries can customize the software to adapt to their unique workflows, requirements, and policies.

Flexible Configuration: Koha allows configuration of various aspects of the system, including circulation rules, reporting, and user management.

2. Multilingual Support

Function: Koha is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

Key Features:

Localized Interfaces: Koha supports different languages for both the staff interface and the OPAC, catering to users from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Translation Support: Koha allows libraries to contribute to translations, ensuring wide accessibility in various regions.

3. Full Text Searching

Function: Koha provides full-text search capabilities, improving the accuracy and speed of search results.

Key Features:

External Integrations: Koha can pull content from external sources like Amazon, Google, LibraryThing, Open Library, and Syndetics to enhance the search experience.

Content Enrichment: The software enriches search results with additional information, such as book summaries, author details, and cover images, sourced from these external databases.

4. Library Standards Compliant

Function: Koha adheres to international library standards, ensuring compatibility with widely accepted practices.

Key Features:

MARC Compliance: Fully supports MARC 21 standards for bibliographic data.

Z39.50 Protocol: Supports the Z39.50 standard for searching and retrieving information from remote databases.

SRU and OpenSearch: Koha is compliant with Search/Retrieve via URL (SRU) and OpenSearch protocols, enabling easier data exchange and integration with other systems.

---

Summary of Koha Features

Cataloging: Full MARC records, Dewey Decimal Classification, AACR2 compliance.

Circulation: Lending, returns, renewals, overdue management.

Reports: Customizable and predefined reports to analyze library data.

Patron Services: Management of patron accounts and user privileges.

OPAC: Search and reserve items, with a simple and intuitive user interface.

Customization: Open-source with the ability to modify the system for local needs.

Multilingual: Available in multiple languages to cater to diverse user bases.

Full Text Searching: Enhanced search experience with external content integration.

Library Standards Compliant: Supports MARC, Z39.50, SRU, and OpenSearch for interoperability with other systems.

Koha offers an open-source, highly customizable, and fully functional ILS solution suitable for libraries of all sizes. Its wide range of modules and features ensures comprehensive library management, making it a preferred choice for many institutions globally.

For more information visit Koha website.