Traditionally, migration from one integrated library system (ILS) to another has been an arduous, difficult task; so much so, that libraries may choose to stay with an unsatisfactory ILS longer than they would if a viable and easy alternative were available to them. However, this institutional inertia is not necessary, if the library (possibly in cooperation with a vendor) develops a method for avoiding unnecessary and problems. In this chapter, a process is described that, when implemented, maximizes results, while minimizing pain and stress on the library and its’ staff.
TopAbout Koha And Open-Source Software
Koha is a free-for-the-taking, open-source integrated library system, first developed in 1999 for the Horowhenua Library Trust, in New Zealand. Its development is ongoing, centered around a community web site at https://www.zotero.org/groups/koha/items
Koha is licensed under the GNU General Public License, or GPL, Version 2. In short, this means that anyone may take the source code, and use it for any means that they can devise, and modify it in any way that they desire, so long as the modified code is, in turn, given under the same license. No license fee may ever be charged for software under the GPL (Free Software Foundation). This means, of course, that multiple support vendors may arise who are “selling” the same software—in truth, they are not selling the software, but their migration services, support, custom programming, hosting services, and/or training. Libraries may choose one of these vendors, or may utilize in-house expertise to install and implement Koha in their library.