Celebrating Innovation: Manoj Kumar Sah Receives Best Librarian Award for Advancing Library Technology in Nepal

 

Introduction:

It is with great joy and pride that I announce the honor bestowed upon me: receiving the prestigious Best Librarian Award for the year 2072/073. This esteemed recognition, presented by the Ministry of Education on August 31, 2016, coinciding with Library Day, highlights my efforts in advancing library technology across Nepal.

 

Trailblazing Library Automation

Driven by a deep-seated passion for literacy and knowledge dissemination, I embarked on a mission to modernize library operations throughout Nepal. Through my leadership, I introduced Koha, a cutting-edge library management system, which has since become integral to library automation nationwide. Koha empowers librarians to efficiently catalog, circulate, and manage resources, significantly improving access to information for all.

 

Empowering Communities Through Technology

My commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good extends beyond mere digitization. By democratizing access to information through Koha, I have transformed libraries into vibrant centers of learning and community engagement. This innovative approach fosters lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity among patrons, enriching our communities.

 

Recognition and Gratitude

The Best Librarian Award is a humbling acknowledgment of my dedication to advancing librarianship in Nepal. I am deeply grateful for the support and recognition from colleagues, educators, and library enthusiasts nationwide. This award reaffirms my commitment to promoting literacy and access to knowledge for all.

 

Continuing the Journey

As we celebrate this milestone, I am excited to continue the journey of enhancing library services in Nepal. With innovation and dedication, I am committed to leveraging technology to further enrich the lives of individuals and communities through enhanced access to information and education.

Conclusion

Receiving the Best Librarian Award is a testament to my dedication to advancing library technology in Nepal. I am honored to have played a role in transforming libraries into dynamic centers of learning and community engagement. Let us continue to harness technology for the greater good, empowering communities through access to knowledge and information.

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Adoption, Implementation, and Functionality of KOHA in SAMB Library

 

Introduction

Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Library is an academic resource centre for study and research. Although the library was established with the objective of supporting in the study, teaching and research needs, shortly after the establishment of Suping Campus at Bhimphedi the library is rendering services to the users of the Mahavidyalaya. The accession register records that it was started on the 24^th November 1978. At present there are two more libraries, i.e. Bachelor Library in Bachelor Block and Reference Library in +2 Block. The Library has more than 25 thousand printed documents. There are more than 15 titles of periodicals and newspapers. Library automation is the conversion of a library’s procedures from manual to computerized, such as from a card catalog to an OPAC, or from manual circulation cards to an integrated library system.

According to Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences (Kent, 1977) “Library Automation is the use of automatic and semiautomatic data processing machines to perform such traditional library activities as acquisitions, cataloguing and circulation. These activities are not necessarily performed in traditional ways, the activities themselves are those traditionally associated with libraries; library automation may thus be distinguished from related fields such as information retrieval, automatic indexing and abstracting and automatic textual analysis”.

About SAMB Central Library

The main goal of the Library is to back the institution to achieve its goal of research-based, student-centered teaching-learning task and knowledge transfer. It gives Internet and information service to students. To fulfil the Vision and Mission of institution, beautiful library was established on the 24 November, 1978 (according to Accession Register) when T.U. Suping Campus Library was established.

Automation History of SAMB Library

Library plays a central role in an academic institution. It is the heart of the institution and an indicator of its quality and standard. It supports to impart quality education, and therefore, must be updated constantly with sufficient educational materials. It is this principle that has led SAMB to update its facilities and resources, and to purchase books and journals through its regular budget. SAMB Library previously used CDS/ISIS a software developed and distributed by UNESCO for information storage and retrieval. Keeping in view the developments in the field of technology, it has become necessary to automate all activities of library.

The SAMB Library has started automation and migration of data works by using the Koha 2.2.8 (released in March 8, 2007) on 2008. From May 2008, the library started to implement all modules of Koha like cataloguing, circulation, OPAC etc. Circulation report records that it was circulated books at first time in 18^th May 2008. SAMB Library is the first library in Nepal which is circulating its documents by using Koha. Now, SAMB Library is using the latest version of koha 21.05 (released on 28 May 2021) for its Nepali and English documents and added the new feature i.e. email notification to users.

KOHA Integrated Library Software (ILS)

KOHA is a web based ILS with a SQL database (MySQL) backend, cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50. KOHA user's interface is very configurable and adoptable which has been translated in to many languages. KOHA was initially developed in New Zealand by Katipo Communication Limited and first deployed in January 2000 for Horowhenua Library Trust. After the original implementation of KOHA, it has been adopted by thousands of libraries worldwide and each adding features and functions, deepening the capability of the software. Now the KOHA has state of the art web interface for clients and librarians, enriched content, faceted navigation, keyword searching, user contribution.

Function of KOHA at SAMB Library

Online public access catalogue (OPAC): The OPAC is web-based and there is no need to install any software on a user's machine.

Web-based circulation interface: Can handle issues, returns, transfers, etc. There is no need to install any special software on staff computers once there is an intranet in place.

Branches: Since the software is web-based it is easy to borrow a book in one branch and return it in another branch.

Borrower history: Users can comment and review books, tag them and view their reading history. They can also view their records and make purchase suggestions.

Customizable search: A library can choose the fields they want on their search form. For example, a search by author, title, subject, and keywords. There is also an advanced search option.

Acquisitions: This includes orders from vendors, budgets, and pricing information.

Serials: It allows easy cataloguing of journals and user can view holdings information through the OPAC.

Multi-lingual OPAC support: KOHA allows patrons to view the OPAC in different languages depending on the language chosen by the library.

Overdue fines and notices: KOHA manages overdue fines and notices that can be sent to users by e-mail.

Barcode and Spain printing and reader: KOHA fully supports the use of barcodes thereby removing the chances of human error. Reports and statistics. KOHA can generate management reports and statistics in cataloging, acquisitions, serials, and circulation.

Conclusion 

Library automation has become a necessity in this current period. Adopting KOHA in libraries is increasing day by day. Due to its excellent feature, KOHA is becoming the priority for those who use open-source software. In KOHA, user interface is very configurable. KOHA is widely used library automation software in the world and it has the provisions for all library operation. It provides cataloguing, Searching, Member management, an acquisitions system and circulation. All these are configurable as per the library needs. Koha is free Library Software and it avoids duplication.

References  

Kent, Allen (1977). Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. New York, NY: Marcel Dekkar.

Riaz, Muhammad (1992). Library automation, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi.

Shah, Steve; Soyinka, Wale (2005), Linux administration: a beginner's guide, 4th ed., Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing, New Delhi.

Websites

http://koha-community.org

http://kohageek.blogspot.com/

https://www.mkshah.com.np/

www.koha.org

www.kohadocs.org

(This Article is Published in Sallaghari annual Magzine 2079 of Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya, Bhaktapur)

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Main Classes of Octa-Decimal Classification (ODC)

The Octa-Decimal Classification (ODC) has been organized the universe of subjects into three broader groups i.e. Humanities (1-6), Social Sciences (7-D) & Science and Technology (E-H) and divided into eighteen main classes. 

0    Generalities
1    Philosophy
2    Psychology
3    Religions. Theology
4    Languages. Linguistics
5    Literature
6    The arts. Music. Sports
7    Education
8    Geography
9    History
A   Political Science
B   Social Science
C   Law Jurisprudence
D   Economics
E   Pure Sciences
F    Technology. Engineering
G   Medical Sciences
H   Agricultural Sciences
The above order of main classes is based on helpful sequence of subjects, e.g. Language (4) is related to Literature (5). So, they are placed next to each other. Similarly, History and Political Science are placed adjacent to each other because their close relationship. The above main classes indicate that each main class represents either a broad discipline or a group of related disciplines. However, this is not true for 0 classes. This class includes varied subjects.

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My 15 Years’ Odyssey into SAMB as a Librarian

LIBRARY AT SAMB

A library is a collection of materials, books or media that are easily accessible for use. It is responsible for housing updated information in order to meet the user's needs on a daily basis. The second edition of Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2) has been used in SAMB Library for the construction of catalogs cards. The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system has been used in SAMB library for systematic arrangement of books in rack.  Until my appointment at SAMB, its library used to issue books using the Browne system.  I began my career as an assistant librarian at Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya, Sallaghari, Bhaktapur (SAMB) on May 1, 2006 AD. The Library at SAMB was started on November 24^th, 1978 (according to Accession Register Record).  Fifteen years ago, I was appointed at SAMB as the 4^th Librarian succeeding Mr. Anil Man Shakya. I have completed my Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Central Department of Library and Information Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. 

15 years old photo in Library

UPGRADING OF SAMB LIBRARY

1.     To develop reading interest: SAMB Library has seen a lot of positive changes after my appointment at SAMB as the librarian. I was immensely guided to bring such changes by the ideas of the former principal, Mrs. Indu Mani Chemjong who believed that to develop reading interest among students, it is necessary to develop the library first. It is because reading is important to develop the mind, and it gives excessive knowledge and lessons of life. It keeps the mind active and enhances creative ability. It improves vocabulary and develops communication skills.

 

2.     Open Access/Hours: SAMB Library started open access since January 18^th 2007 AD. In this system, library member is allowed to go to the shelves and choose the book of his/her interest. In case, s/he does not find the desired book of his/her interest, s/he can choose some other from the shelves. To develop reading interest among the students, as per my plan, we kept SAMB Library open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm changing the previous time of 10.00 am to 5.00 pm  because students are free from 9.00 am to 10.00 am. Using this time, the students read newspapers and magazines. Later on, from January 2007 AD, we decided to keep SAMB library open on Saturdays and public holidays for two hours (9.00 am to 11.00 am) so that our students can get highly benefitted. It was done ever since I was shifted to SAMB quarters i.e., December 4, 2006. The library added furniture like four double faced rack and five single faced rack one magazine display rack and one new arrival rack in May 2007.

3.     WINISIS software : Then, under the guidance and support from the then Principal Mrs Indu Mani Chemjong and the Liaison Officer Brig Gen Prayog J.B. Rana, our library created a computerized database using the WINISIS software developed by UNISCO and provided by ICIMOD Library from 6^th July 2006 AD. This helped the users to consult the computer to search the required books available in the library within the limited time. It was a moment of pride for me in particular and SAMB in general that SAMB was the first academic institution in Nepal to manage the students’ and staffs’ record/profile with the help of WINISIS in May 2008.

4.     Gifted Books:  SAMB library has received books as gifts from Asia Foundation. It was possible through our institutional efforts or approaches initiated by me. The Foundation is providing grants, education materials, and books to different organizations in Asia. Our library gets books and other reading materials from American Library from time to time.

5.     Overdue Notice: SAMB library started issuing overdue notice regularly from April 2007 AD to make library members return the books on time. Because the books are for use, not for storage.

6.     Reference Library was established on 3^rd September, 2007 for Class IX to XII and the teachers of the Suping Block. The main objective of this program was to support the students and the teachers during the study and leisure hours. The Reference Library has mainly textbooks for +2 level.

7.     Library Orientation is concerned with introducing the library and its basics to the library members so that they can use the library in a meaningful and effective way. Library members should be familiarized with the varieties of the reading materials in the library, the ways of using them, the arrangement of documents, layout of sections and kinds of services provided, and how to work with the library tools. Our library has been providing such programs for new members from time to time.

8.     Dissemination of Materials and Information; SAMB started this because without it, the users do not know about the new books available in the library. Our library is providing this service by listing the new books in library notice board, putting these books on new arrival display rack, and informing the related teachers and students individually after the processing works on the new books. All the new journals have also been displayed in the journal display rack title-wise.

9.     Digital Copy: SAMB Library has made the softcopy of Sallaghari from volume 1 (2048) to volume 18 (2065) in 2066. Sallaghari is the annual magazine published by the Mahavidyalaya. Now the library has the softcopy of all the volumes of ‘Sallaghari’ magazine; all the issues of ‘The Mahavidyalaya Post’ a Monthly Bulletin published from Magh 2069 BS to Bhadra 2073; all the issues of the “The Sallaghari Post, a Monthly Bulletin published from Ashwin 2077 BS; Sainik Mahavidyalaya: Bigat Ra Wartman published in 2071 BS; and Yatrankan published in 2077 BS.

10.  Roll Number System: When SAMB Library started circulating books by using Koha, the unique identification number was needed but the roll number of the student was similar with others. Therefore, I designed ‘A System of Roll Number in BSAM’ for library in April 23, 2009. At that time, the system was appreciated by almost all the staff members of SAMB, and it was implemented in the Mahavidyalaya. The System of Roll Number is really informative and helps to know the class, the section, the address, and the gender of a particular student without naming him/her or defining him/her.

11.  Koha and Dspace: Information technology and computers have modernized our life and libraries are no exception to it. Therefore, library automation is the need of the information age. SAMB Library started its automation work on 18^th May 2008 by using Koha. Koha is the world's best open-source library automation software, used around the world. SAMB Library started all printed documents published from SAMB to archive for reading full texts by using DSpace. DSpace is an open source repository application that allows to capture, store, index, preserve, and distribute the digital materials including text, video, audio, and data.  It provides a way to manage materials and publications in a professionally maintained repository to give them greater visibility and accessibility over time.

12.  Campus Library : SAMB has a Campus Library situated in Bachelor’s Block. It was established in 2012 for the students of B.Sc. and BBA. The major collections of Campus Library are textbooks of BBA (TU) and B. Sc. (TU). Students and teachers of Bachelor’s level can get the books issued from that library and can use the reference materials. ‘Koha’ Library software is used by the library for its automation of all activities or functions.

13.  E-Library : SAMB Library started an e-library or Digital Library services from 2014 by adding 20 computers in the Central Library. However, SAMB has Internet service in senior computer lab and audiovisual service in English Language Lab since June 24, 2007. An e-library or Digital library is a physical site and/or website that provides free copies of books, journals, visual material, audio material, video material available to the users. SAMB library again added 20 more computers for access e-resources in 2020 to fulfill digital interest of among students.

14.  School Management Software allows schools to digitally monitor the daily activities along with managing all the resources and information on a single platform. SAMB introduced ‘Fedena’ replacing ‘Midas’ on September 18^th, 2014. Fedena is a complete student information system in cloud. I bore the responsibility as the admin of the ‘Fedena’.

15.  Graphic Design: I started graphic design for SAMB by designing posters and leaflets, magazines, calendar, and any other types of graphic design as the Mahavidyalaya needed from the beginning of 2012 AD.  I started printing ID Cards, Parent’s Cards, Out Pass for residential students, certificates, photos, invitation cards by using Epson L805 printer from 2016 AD.

 

Receiving books for Library gifted from Mrs Uma Katuwal

CONCLUSION

My entry into SAMB as an employee in her library has given me lots of opportunities to bloom my potential.  I have done lots of innovative things guided by the Principals and the Liaison Officers and the constructive suggestions of staff members of B/SAMB. I am yet to introduce a few innovative things after I get consultation from the authorities to modernize SAMB library further. I am quite sure that I will continue getting similar sorts of cooperation and support from the authorities. I was awarded the Best Librarian Award from Ministry of Education on the occasion of 9^th Library Day in 2016 AD.

 

I strongly believe that the success of any educational institution should be judged on the basis of how far it has succeeded in cultivating reading habits among her students. Even if a child completes schooling or does not, even if s/he goes for higher studies or not, s/he still should be able to form a life-long habit of reading on his/her own. To this end, the school librarian and the teachers have to play a special role with special responsibility. I think I am playing my role with honesty, punctuality, and high sense of responsibility.

 

References

https://www.mkshah.com.np

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2006)  ‘An Introduction to Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Library’ : Sallaghari, Vol. 16,  Page  91.

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2007)  ‘Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Library and Its Services’ Sallaghari : Vol . 17, Page 84.

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2009)  ‘A System of Roll Number in BSAM’ Sallaghari Vol. 19, Page 14.

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2010)  ‘WinISIS in Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Database’ Sallaghari :Vol. 20, Page 18.

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2012)  ‘Library Automation Software in Nepal with Reference to Koha’ International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management in December 29-30, 2012 organized by Nepal Library Association

Sah, Manoj Kumar (2015)  ‘Fedena : A Digital School Management System at SAMB’  Sallaghari : Vol. 25, Page 10.

 

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Fedena : A Digital School Management System at SAMB

Introduction 

In a database, the data are stored in such a way that any specific piece of information can be easily accessed to it as required. A set of data may be viewed from different angles by different users. It provides not only easy access to data but also its continuous modification. An example of database is a telephone directory where the subscriber names are listed in alphabetical order with address, telephone number, etc. In the case of Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya Bhaktapur database where the name of students, their course, batch, roll number, gender, date of birth, blood group, admission date, status like present or former are scheduled. Similarly, the database of staff where name of staff, Employee number, gender, blood group, marital status, category (teaching or administrative staff), department, position, grade, enrolling date, date of birth, status like present or former, mailing address, and academic qualification are recorded. School Management System (SMS) School Management System helps manage students, teachers, classes, sections, collecting fees, attendance and marks. It provides easy reports, outstanding fees, marks, attendance etc. SMS is developed after collecting requirements from several schools. It is a product that is focused on making life easy for school management staff. The product is very easy to use and considers that most staff members at schools are not technology savvy people or typical geeks. The software guarantees saving of money and time for management apart from organizing the school information. It has reports available at a click of a button which give all the details of a school. 

Objective The main objective of the system is to make its users more informative about SAMB using internet. 

Need of SMS in SAMB 

Information technology and computers have modernized our life and academic institutions are no exception to it. Therefore, computerizing of SAMB members is the need of the information age. At present, the numbers of students and staff in the Mahavidyalaya are increasing. Therefore, the SMS has become a must for the people who are curious to know about the institution in general and for the institution itself in particular. New members of SAMB can know all members of SAMB quickly and easily with the help of the database. It also helps the policy makers and decision makers of SAMB because required information of every member is accessed from the software. 

Fedena 

Fedena is an open source school management software developed on the Ruby on Rails framework. It is a web 2.0 web application developed by Foradian Technologies. Fedena is cloud based school Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software used in schools for administration purposes. Fedena provides user-friendly dashboards with login access for teachers, non-teaching staff, students, parents and management personnel of the institution anytime anywhere. The various modules available in Fedena facilitate all the processes of the institution, from admission of new students to generating transfer certificates when students complete their studies. It has modules to manage timetable, attendance, examinations, courses and batches, school news, school calendar, event management, student admission, human resource, finance, hostel, library, transportation, and many more. It has a fully-fledged Human Resource module to manage the payroll and employee pay slips. The finance module helps you to plan and allot different fee structures to students. It is also an excellent collaboration tool using its task, discussion, poll, blog and video conference plug-ins. There is also an internal messaging system within. 

How to Log In 

Fedena is user friendly interface and highly powerful user experienced design such that anyone with basic knowledge in computer can start using the system with minimum hints. As students log in go through the link https://samb.fedena.com and type username i.e. roll number (694226) & password i.e. roll no. + 123 (694226123), as parents log in username i.e. p + roll no. (p694226), password p+ roll no. + 123 (p694226123) similarly as employee log in username i.e. user ID (E102), password i.e. user ID + 123 (E102123) that passwords are default you can change your password any time. If you forget your password click the link forgot password and type username, then a link is sent to your e-mail id to reset your password. Feel free to contact at fedenasamb@gmail.com if any confusion. 

How to Search 

Searching for students and employees are very easily, with the help of the various ways that are available in fedena. The action search option is available in top right menu. Or go to ‘Dashboard’ and click on ‘Students Details’. Type his/her roll number or the first name or the last name of the student and find the respective student. Advanced Search also offers to search for students on the basis of any particular information like name of students, their course, batch, roll number, gender, date of birth, blood group and admission date etc. Employee search is provided in human resource management. This enables the admin to search any employee who is entered in Fedena. The search is not case sensitive and is featured by selecting category, department, position, and grade. 

Conclusion 

The School Management System is a dynamic platform which allows educational institutions to manage their whole organization through the web, any time from anywhere in the world. It nurtures the interaction between school, teachers, students and parents in a most effective way. Parents can access to children and school information anytime anywhere, enhanced interaction with teachers, management and others access to children attendance, timetable, marks, grades and examination schedule. Prior information about school events, news and holidays and collaborate with students and other users via text, audio and/or video at anytime. We plan to implement in hostel, library, transportation, audio/video conference with text, screen and file sharing among class. We also plan to introduce a One Card System. A person’s card (student, teacher, employee etc.) will perform all the activities of that person. 

Website 

www.fedena.com http://projectfedena.org https://samb.fedena.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedena

(Sallaghari 2072, pp. 10-12)

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Library Automation Software in Nepal with Reference to Koha

The main objective of this paper is to provide the librarian with the skills and knowledge needed in the process of automating library operations and services. This paper basically focuses on automating or computerizing library system with a view to accomplish various library functions such as acquisition, circulation, cataloguing, subscription management, patron management and many more, effectively and efficiently.

 1. Introduction of KOHA

Koha is a full-featured open-source Library Software. Developed initially in New Zealand by Katipo Communications Ltd and first deployed in January of 2000 for Horowhenua Library Trust, It is currently maintained by a team of software providers and library technology staff from around the globe. It can tailor full catalogue, circulation, acquisitions system for library stock management and serial management models. It is simple, clear search interface for all users. It can manage online and off line resources with the same tool. It runs on windows as well as Linux operating systems. Z39.50 server available in Koha is an international standard for searching and retrieving information from remote databases. It can generate Spine label, Barcode label, membership card which is minimum requirement of an automated library. Librarian can send massage or note to members and circulation Section.

2.Open Source Software

Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge, i.e., open. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. Open source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations. Open source integrated library software’s are: Koha, Evergreen, PhpMyBibli, OpenBiblio, OPALS, Liblime KOHA, Senayan, Dspace, GSDL etc.

 3. Library Software's in Nepal

Large numbers of library software's have been developed by the librarians and the information scientists all over the world. The Library software's used in Nepal are: MINISIS, MAITRAYEE, LIBSYS, SOUL, KOHA, ALICE, ATHENA, MIDAS, LIBRA, LIMS and LIBINF, etc.

 4.Need for Automation in Library

• Growth of documents
• Growth of users
• Users services
• Greater efficiency
• Cooperation and resource sharing
• Creation of user friendly environment
• Developing interest among Users

 5. KOHA

i. History

Koha was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand, and the first installation went live in January 2000.From 2000, companies started providing commercial support for koha, building to more than 20 today.In 2001, Paul Poulain (of Marseille, France) began adding many new features to Koha, most significantly support for multiple languages. By 2010, Koha has been translated from its original English into French, Chinese, Arabic and several other languages. Support for the cataloguing and search standards MARC and Z39.50 was added in 2002 and later sponsored by the Athens County Public Libraries. In France Paul Poulain co-founded BibLibre in 2007. In 2005, an Ohio-based company, Metavore, Inc., trading as LibLime, was established to support Koha and added many new features, including support for Zebra sponsored by the Crawford County Federated Library System. Zebra support increased the speed of searches as well as improving scalability to support tens of millions of bibliographic records. In 2007 the state of Vermont began testing the use of Koha for all Vermont libraries. At first a separate implementation was created for each library. Then the Vermont Organization of Koha Automated Libraries (VOKAL) was organized to create one database to be used by libraries. This database was rolled out in 2011. Twenty-six libraries have chosen to adopt Koha and moved to the shared production environment hosted and supported by by Water Solutions. Previously Vermont used software from Follett., Installing help. On 8 April 2011, Domingo Arroyo announced that the Spanish Ministry of Culture is spinning KOBLI, a customized version of Koha.

ii. History of Koha in Nepal

Koha 2.2.8 is released in March 8, 2007 but Nepalese used this version in beginning of 2008. Dr. Mohan Pradhan is first Person of Nepal use Koha. Dr. Pradhan run a training of koha 2.28 in February. I took that training from Dr. Pradhan and used koha.

SAMV Library started its automation work in the beginning of 2008. Circulation report records that it was circulated books at first time in 18th May 2008. SAMV Library is the first library in Nepal which is circulating its documents by using Koha. SAMV Library is first library in Nepal to successively use Nepali Unicode in Koha. Parliament Library, Singh Darbar, Nepal is now using the latest version of koha3.8.6 for its Nepali and English documents.

iii.Current status

Koha 3.8.6 is ready to handle Unicode characters which are released on October 22nd, 2012.

Koha 3.10.01 is the latest stable which released on December 22nd, 2012.

iv. Koha Requirements

 The following are minimum requirements to install Koha  

• A Linux Operating System
• Apache
• MySQL
• Perl

 v.a.  How to Install Koha

This installation is based on a Linux operating system including MYSQL, Apache, Perl and KOHA.

b. Install Koha Using LibLiveCD

Considering lot of benefits of using Koha, library professionals are taking keen interest in trying to use this software but at the same time, face lot of limitations while installing Koha. Considering these limitations, Prof. ARD Prasad has created a LibLiveCD which provide a good starting point for library professionals to automate their libraries having to know any technical knowledge of Koha installation.

Koha users face problems while setting up web installation, upgrading the software, taking backup, customizing the software etc.

vi. Integration of Koha

Integration of Koha with Dspace and GSDL for Accessing Full Text

Koha is open source software package. It has many features retrieving bibliographic records, but it does not have facility of providing full text document. One the other hand, GSDL (Greenstone Digital Library) and Dspace have the facility of providing Full Text Search Facility. Using this facility, an effort is being made to integrate both the software packages so that users can have facility of bibliographic database as well as full text access facility.

 vii. Importing Excel data into Koha

Koha will not import excel records directly. First, we will convert excel file into Marc file and then will import it into Koha. MarcEdit is a software which helps to convert Excel format into .mrk format and then into .mrc format.  Using Stage MARC Records for Import tools to import .mrc records into koha. The Conversion of CDS/ISIS records into Koha are also using MarcEdit software.

 6. Features

Koha is web-based ILS, with a SQL database (MySql preferred) backend with cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50. The user interface is very configurable and adaptable and has been translated into many languages.[2] Koha has most of the features that would be expected in an ILS, including:

• Simple, clear interface for librarians and members (patrons)
• Various Web 2.0 facilities like tagging, comment, Social sharing and RSS feeds
• Union catalog facility
• Customizable search
• Circulation and borrower management
• Full acquisitions system including budgets and pricing information (including supplier and currency conversion)
• Simple acquisitions system for the smaller library
• Ability to cope with any number of branches, patrons, patron categories, item categories, items, currencies and other data
• Serials system for magazines or newspapers
• Reporting
• Reading lists for members
• Integrated federated searches for databases and other external resources
• Library standards compliance (MARC, Z39.50)
• A powerful full-featured search engine
• Scalability from a thousand to tens of millions of records
• Multiple record formats (MARC, XML, etc.)

 7. Modules of Koha

i.  Koha Administration

This module deals with various control parameters which determines the basic component of library automation system. Like

• Libraries, branches and Groups
• Patron types and categories
• Circulation and Fines Rules
• Currencies and exchange rates
• Item types
• Authority types
• Marc bibliographic framework

 ii.  Koha System Preferences

This module deals with various control parameters which determines the basic behavior of library automation system.

iii.  Acquisition

Acquisition module handles the order placement for library items.

iv.   Cataloging

This module is about how to provide easy and effective access to the library’s collection and enable the rapid and efficient retrieval of information to meet the needs of library’s users.

v.   OPAC

OPAC stands for On-Line Public Access Catalog which is the major attractions of Koha. It has a powerful OPAC with a choice of search options and variety of display formats. It has good facilities for searching books. Library users can search their required books easily and know how many books of particular Author, Title, Subject, Serial Title, Item Barcode, Call Number, Publisher's etc. are available in the library and its branch or on loan. If required books are not available members can reserved the books or suggest the librarian to buy the required books.

vi.   Patrons Management

This module is concerned with changing the information about members or viewing their details.

• Add a new patron
• Editing Patrons
• Patron Permissions
• Patron Information

 vii.   Circulation

The circulation module handles the tasks of keeping track of which borrower has which materials, when the materials are due back, what late fees might be due, and so forth. This is the mostly used part.

viii.  Serials

This module deals with management of subscription for periodical publication.

 

ix.  Reports

Koha's data is stored in a MySQL database which means that librarians can generate nearly any report they would like by either using the Guided Reports Wizard or writing their own SQL query. Using the form provided, choose which value you would like to appear in the Column and which will appear in the Row. These reports are all about numbers and statistics, for reports that return more detailed data,

• Patrons with the most checkouts
• Most Circulated Items
• Items with no checkouts
• Custom Reports
• Report from SQL

 

x.  Tools

The tools module handles the following task:

• News
• Calendar and Holidays
• Notices
• Overdue Notice
• Card Print
• Export Bibliographic & Holdings Data (MARC Export) for backup purposes
• Label Creator allows
• Inventory/Stocktaking

 

8.  Koha in Nepalese Contexts

a.  Open Source Software

Open source software (OSS) particularly Koha has recently become the subject of scrutiny and debate, not least for the promise it holds to solve systems development Challenges in LIS community. Koha remains highly suited, both as a software product and as a development methodology.

The distinguishing features of Koha that represent potential benefits to the Library community compared to traditional software challenges. The specific appeal of OSS development for developing countries like Nepal is noted. This holds the promise of increasing OSS development, which in turn can benefit organizations in developing countries. The use of Nepali Unicode is also help full for Nepalese Librarian. I have strongly recommended for implementation of Koha in Libraries of Nepal.

b. Devnagri Scripts on Koha

Devanāgarī is the main script used to write Standard Hindi, Marathi, and Nepali. Since the 19th century, it has been the most commonly used script for Sanskrit. Devanāgarī is also employed for Bhojpuri, Gujari, Pahari, (Garhwali and Kumaoni), Konkani,  Magahi, Maithili, Marwari, Bhili, Newar, Santhali, Tharu, and sometimes Sindhi, Dogri, Sherpa, Kashmiri and Punjabi. It was formerly used to write Gujarati. Because of its use to write the Hindi language, Devanagari is one of the most used and adopted writing systems in the world.

 

c.  Nepali Unicode Characters in Koha

MARC21 records can 'legally' only have two encodings: MARC-8 or UTF-8. The encoding is set in position 9 of the leader (LEADER / 09). MARC-8 is not recognized in modern web browsers and since Koha is a web-based system, if you are using MARC21 records, the encoding MUST be UTF-8. This means that the records should be pre-processed before entering your Koha system (in whatever way they enter). One thing to remember is that LEADER / 09 is used in MARC to determine the encoding of a given record. This means that if it's not set correctly, you will very likely mangle any records you are importing/exporting. That process is used before Koha 3.8.6.

 

9. The Advantages of Implementing Koha in Information Centers

The Information Centre’s role is thus to acquire, classify, catalogue and make accessible the information resources to all our clients. In order for these Information centers to achieve their objectives and serve their clients better, there is a need to acquire and implement a relevant, reliable and cost effective library information management system. Having done a thorough research for a good Library management system to implement in information centers, the Management settled for the KOHA Integrated Library System. The advantage of using KOHA is that it is open source Integrated Library System software that is a web-based.  In information centers KOHA can also be integrated with other software systems like SAP (SAP ERP) Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing thus assisting in managing orders from vendors, in areas of budgets and in providing pricing information. KOHA is capable of the interoperability between KOHA and other security systems and technologies, while supporting existing work flows and tools. KOHA has therefore been strongly recommended for implementation since it is a powerful and flexible integrated library system which will support the services and activities within the information centers.

10.  Conclusion

It has been more than 30 years since the Library Automation has started by commercially and professionally developed library management systems. There has been number of software available under proprietary and open source license for the purpose of library automation. Open source has been gaining a good momentum during the last few years. Koha software has been in the market for more than a decade now and is used by many libraries all over the world. Koha is a full featured integrated library system (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, cataloguing, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more.

 References  

• Riaz, Muhammad(1992). Library automation, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi.
• Shah, Steve; Soyinka, Wale(2005), Linux administration: a beginner's guide, 4th ed., Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing, New Delhi.
• Vaidya, Bina (2008), Use of Library Software in Nepal: a case study of TUCL, TULSSAA: a journal of library and information science, Kathmandu, Vol. 6. Issue No. 1. April 2008.

 Websites

• www.kohadocs.org
• http://koha-community.org
• http://koha-community.org/documentation
• http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download
• www.koha.org
• http://www.mysql.com
• http://httpd.apache.org

(This article is presented on International Conference on Library, Information and Knowledge Management in December 29-30, 2012 organized by Nepal Library Association.)

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