Use of Koha in India: Problems and Prospects

摘要

Purpose : Open Source Software (OSS) are homogeneously spread over. Koha, the Library Management System (LMS) is one of the popular OSS among the library professionals. This study aimed to find out the prime reason of popularity of Koha among the library professionals in India to assess the level of knowledge of library professionals posses in Koha. The contribution of the library professionals towards the evolution of Koha is also evaluated.Methodology : For the study, a structured questionnaire was prepared and distributed to the library professionals through online library forums, facebook and personal mail addresses. Besides, a few of respondents available for chat through the social media like Messenger and WhatsApp were also interviewed. Some secondary data regarding the modules used to cover in the workshops collected from various brochures.Findings : The result revealed that there is a gap between the actual concept of open source and the Koha users in India. Though several workshops are organized all over the country, quite a sizable portion of Koha users can't install on their own.Value : This study is important in its own kind. Koha promoters would find its usefulness to proceed further with new approach.