AMU organises week-long workshop on Koha Open Source Software

The Workshop Coordinator, Dr. Monawwer Eqbal said that the topics discussed under various sub-themes during the workshop included open-source tools for library automation, acquisition, cataloguing and generation of reports, circulation and serial control.

Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University organized a week-long National Workshop on “Koha (Integrated Library Management System)”, enabling the library and information science professionals to install, customize and streamline various housekeeping operations of libraries with free and open source software. 

In his inaugural address, the chief guest, Mr. S. Mustafa K.Q. Zaidi, former Chairman, Department of Library and Information Science, AMU, underlined the importance of open source library management systems, especially Koha, in view of the ever-changing information needs of library users from preparing manual card catalogue to web based Online Public Access Catalogue. He said that in the Google era, library professionals should keep innovating to organize knowledge and transform the library products and services to provide right information to the right user at the right time.

The workshop provided hands-on-training to the participants, along with a series of lectures and demonstrations, using Koha software in a detailed manner.

Prof. Aasim Zafar, Chairman, Department of Computer Science lauded the efforts of the University Librarian in introducing emerging technologies in Maulana Azad Library and emphasised the participants to implement Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and Koha in libraries. He further added that apart from being cost saving, flexible and collaborative, Koha provides community support, freedom and control, along with security and longevity. It also offers a user friendly interface.

In his online keynote address, Prof. Margam Madhusudhan, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, talked about the importance of inculcating skill in library professionals, with tools of Open Source Technology to meet the need of the learners. He discussed the salient features of Koha as an open source architecture, providing web-based accessibility, comprehensive cataloguing facility, flexible circulation management, with patron empowerment.

Koha is a fully featured, scalable library management system. Development is sponsored by libraries of varying types and sizes, volunteers, and support companies worldwide.

Read more:

• JMI organizes CME program on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
• L’Oréal India invites applications from young women for INR 2.5 lakh scholarship