1. An Open Source ILS
Ryan D. Windle
Emporia State University

2.  Koha is a web-based open source Integrated Library System.
 Provides all the important ILS elements including OPAC,
cataloguing modules, acquisitions and serial modules, and a
circulation model.
 In a study conducted by Yang & Hoffman (2010), examining
the OPAC systems used in academic libraries and the ways
in which they resemble the next generation catalog, it was
concluded that ―the Koha OPAC comes closest to the next
generation catalog [among open source products] with six
features [characteristic of the NGC]‖ (p. 268), ahead of
Evergreen and Voyager, its open source counterparts.
 Features include : ―Single point of entry for all library resources,
state-of-the-art web interface, enriched content, faceted navigation
[in some instances], simple key word search box with a link to
advanced search on every page, user interaction, and persistent
URL links‖ (Yang & Hoffman, 2010, pp. 269-271).

3.  Koha’s evolution as an open source ILS has been
overseen primarily by Liblime and ByWater Solutions
(two competing companies offering services and
development for the same ILS platform.
 ―The development of Liblime Koha is steered by a
growing number of libraries throughout the world.
These libraries, either on their own, or collaborating in
groups, sponsor the development of new features to
support their work flows‖ (Liblime, 2011).
 As such, Liblime Koha is a mutable, evolving, and ever
expanding entity, capable of being customized to meet
the specific needs of any library—
school, special, public, or academic.

4. Green represents Academic Libraries
Blue represents Other Libraries
Red represents Public Libraries

5.  A frequently cited concern in any implementation of
open source software is the lack of tech support.
 Liblime, however, claims support that ―couples the
concept of open source with the security of outstanding
customer service relieving libraries of the need to have
expensive technical resources on staff‖(Why Liblime,
2011).
 ―In keeping with open source tradition, library-
sponsored enhancements to Liblime Koha are made
available for others to use‖ (Liblime What Do We Do,
2011).
 Liblime provides set up, ―administrative and modular
configuration‖, migration, training, and ―branding‖ or
customization of the OPAC in color schemes
representative of the library (Liblime FAQs, 2011).

6.  While Liblime Koha makes bold statements regarding
its role as facilitator of open source advancements, such
claims have not been, in more recent history, entirely
corroborated by its actions.
 In 2009, Liblime , taking a ―free speech‖ approach to OSS began
to make certain improvements available only to those libraries
who paid for Liblime’s purchasable version of the system; those
libraries relying on Liblime Koha as a truly open source ILS
(i.e.: ―free beer‖) were not allowed access to such
improvements, signifying a ―fork‖ in the road for Liblime Koha
communities (Ojala, 2010).
 In 2010, Liblime was purchased by Progressive Technology
Federal Systems Inc., sparking ―cautious optimism‖ among
librarians that the new ownership would mark the return of
Liblime Koha to its pure, authentic open source tradition
(Ojala, 2010).

7.  Providing an alternative to Liblime Koha, those
looking to implement an ILS may consider the
platform supported by ByWater Solutions.
 The basic interface and features are the same,
and, to date, ByWater Solutions has remained
true to the earliest conceptions of open source
software in making any user improvements
available, free of charge, to libraries utilizing a
Koha integrated library system.

8.  Walls, Ian. 2010. ―Migrating from Innovative Interfaces’ Millennium to Koha: the NYU
health sciences libraries’ experiences.‖ OCLC, 27(1), 51-56.
 Migration, as described by Walls, appeared to be a relatively smooth endeavor.
 ―It was easy for anyone interested in demoing the system to do so, without needing to
install anything on their local machines‖ (Walls, p. 52).
 Why did NYU select Koha? ―Any open source ILS platform chose would need to have a
robust community of users surrounding it, so chances of the software becoming
unsupported and stagnant were minimized‖ (Walls, p. 52).
 One of the great difficulties encountered in the NYU transition was Koha’s inadequacies
as a course reserve circulator. Walls indicated that because Koha’s circulation systems
were based on periods of days rather than hours–most course reserve items are
circulated in hourly increments—systemic problems were encountered. Walls did not
indicate if such problems had yet been resolved by the NYU Health Sciences Libraries
team or another member of the academic Koha community.
 For the interested, the above article appeared in an issue of OCLC dedicated in entirety
to open source ILS technologies. It can be accessed at
http://elearning.emporia.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&
url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3
D_36417_1%26url%3D.

9.  A Koha ILS is an affordable and adequate option for
any library seeking to provide user access to an OPAC.
 Support concerns often associated with open source
implementation are mitigated by the services provided
by ByWater Solutions and Liblime, though one must
remember that, as is too often the case, such options
come at a price; libraries not willing to pay for
Liblime’s services must recognize that certain
developments may be furnished only to those willing
to assume cliental role as signified by financial
commitment.
 Those libraries with a competent IT staff retain the
right to manipulate Koha to suit their needs; the
product’s malleability is one of its greatest attributes.

10.  Author(s) unknown. (2011). ByWater solutions. Retrieved from
http://bywatersolutions.com/.
 Author(s) unknown. (2011). Liblime: Premier open source library
support. Retrieved fromhttp://www.liblime.com/.
 Lib-web-cats (Cartogrpaher). (2011). Map of Libraries: Koha ILS
Sites. Retrieved from
http://www.librarytechnology.org/map.pl?ILS=Koha.
 Ojala, M. (2010, January 21). PTFS acquires Liblime, expands its
open source capabilities. Information Today, Inc. Retrieved from
http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/NewsBreaks/PTFS-Acquires-
LibLime-Expands-Its-Open-Source-Capabilities-60726.asp.
 Walls, Ian. 2010. ―Migrating from Innovative Interfaces’
Millennium to Koha: the NYU health sciences libraries’
experiences.‖ OCLC, 27(1), 51-56.
 Yang, S.Q., & Hofmann, M. (2010). Next generation or current
generation? A study of the OPACs of 260 academic libraries in the
United States and Canada. Library Hi Tech, 29(2), 266-300.