Koha support is one dimension of our core open source support service. Kenya Interactive Media has worked with several small and large libraries (including University libraries) in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya to migrate to Koha from other Integrated Library systems. We are also partnering with the Kenya Koha Community in fostering the use of Open Source Software in Libraries and Information Centers across Kenya. You can check out our profile for more information.

Koha is an integrated library system (ILS) and was the first open source ILS. Koha was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua in New Zealand. The first installation went live in January of 2000. In use worldwide , its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha's impressive feature set continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of its user base.

Why Use Koha?

Full-featured ILS. In use worldwide in libraries of all sizes, Koha is a true enterprise-class ILS with comprehensive functionality including basic or advanced options. Koha includes modules for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more. For a comprehensive overview of features visit the Koha feature map.

Dual Database Design. Koha uses a dual database design that utilizes the strengths of the two major industry-standard database types (text-based and RDBMS). This design feature ensures that Koha is scalable enough to meet the transaction load of any library, no matter what the size.

Library Standards Compliant. Koha is built using library standards and protocols that ensure interoperability between Koha and other systems and technologies, while supporting existing workflows and tools.

Web-based Interfaces. Koha's OPAC, circ, management and self-checkout interfaces are all based on standards-compliant World Wide Web technologies--XHTML, CSS and Javascript--making Koha a truly platform-independent solution.

Free / Open Source. Koha is distributed under the open-source General Public License (GPL). More information on the GPL can be found here.

No Vendor Lock-in. It is an important part of the open-source promise that there is no vendor lock-in: libraries are free to install and use Koha themselves if the have the in-house expertise or to purchase support or development services from the best available source. For more information about obtaining support visit the support page. (This information is extracted from www.koha.org)

Despite the fact that Koha is open-source software, available for free, its installation has remained a big problem for many libraries that do not have adequate manpower especially those conversant with open source.

Kenya Interactive Media Koha Support team is made up of Librarians and IT professionals who understand how a library works, what is required by both librarians and library users, and then implement this technologically. Our team has helped many libraries to migrate to Koha at very reasonable costs.

Feel free to request for Koha Support Cost Quotation and more Information by email now !