Recommendation

In order to determine an Integrated Library System, ILS, that would best suit our library and needs, we developed four criteria on which to base our decision:  cost, support, usability and software features.  Library staff members then analyzed four ILSs, Evergreen, Koha, Millennium and Serial Solutions, based on the criteria to determine which ILS we would use to replace our current system.  While each of the systems had unique qualities that would benefit our library, Koha met most of the needs and requirements addressed in the Needs Statement.  Furthermore, because a limited budget is one of our biggest considerations, Koha was most attractive because of its functions as well as the fact that it is an open source ILS with minimal associated costs.  We took into account that we could take advantage of the fee-based support option for initial training and on-going support (for a determined amount of time), acquire an adequate ILS, and stay within our budget requirements.  Koha is rather comprehensive for an open source software and the following provides a rationale behind the decision to implement Koha.

Bibliographic Needs.  Koha offers copy cataloging and supports z39.5 as well as MARC21 for professional catalogers.  It also features cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and serials modules, which include basic or advanced options.  RSS feeds for new acquisitions are also available.


Circulation Needs.  Circulation module is integrated with catalog and acquisitions modules in order to update records simultaneously.  It is possible to inform patrons about overdue items as well as fines via email or text messaging.  Koha allows for the printing of barcodes. 


Administrative Needs.  There are many tools in Koha that aid in administrative tasks such as budgeting, managing acquisition budgets and generating reports.  It features a calendar, means of communicating news to staff and inventory tools.  The OPAC and staff interfaces are also simple and easy to navigate.  There are several features that allow management of patron functions such as creating tags and comments.  The tools page also provides a place to stage MARC records and mange these records.


Information Requirements.  Koha meets all library standards and allows for interoperability with other systems.  It is a fully integrated ILS and run with Linux, Unix Windows and MacOS.  It is web based and can integrate with the library’s website.  Most importantly it is open source and free of licensing fees.   


Support.  There is free and fee-based support through Koha.  It is possible to contract with an independent company specializing in development and support services.  Koha makes it clear that an institution is never locked-in to one vendor.  Thus, a library can use in-house support or seek outside services for installation and migration assistance, staff training or software maintenance.