The term "open source" refers to something that can be modified because its design is publicly accessible. Open source software is software whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone. Now a days many people prefer open source software because they have more control over that kind of software. They can examine the code to make sure it's not doing anything they don't want it to do, and they can change parts of it they don't like. Users who aren't programmers also benefit from open source software, because they can use this software for any purpose they wish—not merely the way someone else thinks they should.

Some people prefer open source software because they consider it more secure and stable than proprietary software. Because anyone can view and modify open source software, someone might spot and correct errors or omissions that a program's original authors might have missed. And because so many programmers can work on a piece of open source software without asking for permission from original authors, open source software is generally fixed, updated, and upgraded quickly.

The proposed workshop is being planned in the context of the latest application of Koha in library and information environments. In view of the emerging  circumstances the present training workshop is proposed to be held at Biju Patnaik Central Library (BPCL), NIT Rourkela during October 15-17, 2015.

 

About Koha

Koha is the first Open Source Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) which includes Acquisition, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serial Control & Online Public Access Catalogue with many more advanced features. Koha supports International library standards and protocols which ensures interoperability between Koha & any other library management system. It supports technologies and international standards such as MARC 21, RFID, z39.50, web 2.0 etc. The software is fully customizable and includes all modules expected in any standard library management system.

Salient Features:

·         Supports International Standards & Protocol such as MARC 21, z39.50 etc.

·         Supports Import/Export data compatible to MARC

·         Multilingual & Strong Web OPAC

·         Comprehensive advance search

·         Flexibility to customize online public access catalogue according to your library needs

·         OPAC can be used as Content Management System

·         Printing functions for barcode labels, patron cards and reports

·         Virtual Book Shelf & Course Reserve

·         Supports copy cataloguing

·         Provision to have branch libraries and items transfers

·         Budget & Fund Management

·         Customizable Data Entry Sheet (In different framework) & supports import/export MARC framework

·         No platform dependency. It can run on Linux, Windows etc.

·         It uses MySQL as backend RDBMS and Apache Web server (Open Source Software)

·         Support Multiple Instances (One can create more than 1 library with different database)