Koha is an open source software system for libraries based on the Web 2.0 philosophy of sharing and collaborating. Open source software has become a touchstone in the arena of software development. The development of open source software was a reaction to the existing legal instrument on software copyright from the software developer’s community. Open source software are available free of cost and users have freedom to use and redistribute the software without any obligation. Generally, small and medium size libraries feel automation operations as a financial burden due to high price of Library Management System. Koha, which is an enterprise resource planning system for library has become a gift for all range of libraries as it is available free of cost (being an open source software) and rich in functionalities.
It is especially, designed to coordinate and automate library’s all functionssuch as the online cataloguing, circulation system, patron management, serial control, circulation, OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) and other information management solutions and the most important feature is acquisitions. All these features are pivotal for managing big as well as small library. Ever since, it was developed and converted into an open source, several contributions have been given to it consequently now it is well-established automation software and is being used across the world. Library professionals have welcomed Koha wholeheartedly as this has improved their execution efficiency and at the same time available, it costs lower (as it requires only technical support for installation, data migration and customization) in comparison to proprietary softwares. Therefore, it is a boon for financially weak and small libraries.
There are several libraries across the world, which are using Koha and are extremely content with the features available in it. Crawford County Federal Library System, Nelsonville Public Library System, Munroe Falls Public Library, Lorenzo de’ Medici (LDM), United Nations Industrial Development Organization, The Childcare Resource and Research Unit(CRRU) are eminent libraries and all of them are using Koha (Integrated Library Management System). Seeing the popularity and affordability of Koha soon in India many library professionals come up with ideas to use Koha for their own libraries. Presently, Delhi Public Library, Magarpatta City Library, Indian Statistical Institute and many more are using Koha. In a nutshell, it can be said that Koha’s popularity has sky rocketed and library communities have accepted it enthusiastically.