KOHA as a free software option: challenges to consider when start an implementation process

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/dgbsdi.0187750xp.2024.2.1553

Keywords:

Automation, implementation, Koha, SIAB, SIGB, software, free software

Abstract

The adoption of specialized software for library management marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing library services. Increasingly, institutions are turning to open-source software solutions to meet their automation needs, offering significant cost savings and additional benefits. However, the use of open-source options presents various inherent challenges that must be carefully addressed to ensure optimal outcomes.
This paper examines the critical challenges associated with implementing Koha, including compatibility issues, data migration, training, maintenance, backups, upgrades, and recommended hardware and software specifications, among others. By understanding these challenges, decision–makers can equip themselves with the insights necessary for a successful implementation

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Author Biographies

Armando Ávila González, DGBSDI - UNAM

Técnico académico del Departamento de Desarrollo de Personal de la DGSBDI, UNAM. Correo electrónico: aavilag@dgb.unam.mx
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4085-7235

Juan Valentín Hernández Félix, DGBSDI - UNAM

Técnico académico del Departamento de Desarrollo de Personal de la DGSBDI, UNAM. Correo electrónico: jvhernandezf@dgb.unam.mx.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6810-9077

References

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Otras obras consultadas

Ahammad, N. (2014). Implementing the Koha integrated library system at the Independent University, Bangladesh: A practical experience. The Electronic Library, 32(5), 642-658. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EL-04-2012-0036/full/html DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2012-0036

Axiell. (2020). Guide: How to choose the right Library Management Software. https://wwwaxiellcom.cdn.triggerfish.cloud/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/howtobuy_lms_a4.pdf

Cavalo, M. A. y Uviña, R. F. (2018). La migración de Alephino a Koha: el caso de la biblioteca de Espigas. Palabra Clave (La Plata), 8(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.24215/18539912e059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24215/18539912e059

Deshmukh, R. K. (2016). A study of Open Source Library Management Software: abcd Library Management Software. Lambert Academic Publishing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320020779_A_Study_of_Open_Source_Library_Management_Software

Reddy, T. R., y Kumar, K. (2013). Open source software’s and their impact on library and information centre: An overview. International Journal of Library and Information Science, 5(4), 90-96. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJLIS12.038

Rodríguez Herrera, F. M., Cabrera Berrezueta, L. B., Erazo Álvarez, J. C., y García Herrera, D. G. (2020). Koha como Sistema Integrado de Gestión Bibliotecaria en la Educación Superior. Revista Arbitrada Interdisciplinaria Koinonía, 5(5), 267-280. https://doi.org/10.35381/r.k.v5i5.1043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35381/r.k.v5i5.1043

Salma, M. S. y Mini Devi, B. (2020). Adoption of koha open source integrated library management system: a review of a literature. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 4424. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4424/

portada de articulo 1

Published

2025-03-07

How to Cite

Ávila González, A. and Hernández Félix, J. V. (2025) “KOHA as a free software option: challenges to consider when start an implementation process”, Biblioteca Universitaria, 27(2), pp. 83–94. doi: 10.22201/dgbsdi.0187750xp.2024.2.1553.

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