About Workshop
In to day’s digital age, managing library operations using proprietary software poses significant challenges, especially due to budget constraints. Open-source software (OSS) has emerged as a cost-effective and customizable solution, enabling libraries to innovate and meet the growing demands of users. Sikkim Akademi is organising a Five-Days Workshop on Koha, designed to provide hands-on training in using this popular OSS tools. The workshop will equip participants with the skills to implement Koha for comprehensive library automation and management. This workshop aims to foster awareness and encourage adoption of Free / Open Source Software (FOSS) among library and information professionals. By embracing FOSS, libraries can enhance services, modernize operations, and optimize access to the wealth of resources.About Sikkim Akademi
Sikkim Akademi was formally inaugurated on 6th July 2002. It’s an autonomous body formed by the Sikkim Government, basically to develop culture and literature of Sikkim, to promote and co- ordinate literary, linguistic and other fine art activities as well to form a cultural bridge between the State and the Nation.
About Koha
Koha is an Open Source Integrated Library Management Syste m (IL MS) offe ring ente rprise -class functionality and a wide range of features. Its comprehensive modules include Acquisiti on, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serial Control, Electronic Resource Management (ERM), Patron Managment, Administration, Course Reserve and Online Public Access Catalogue, among others. Built on international library standards and protocols such as MARC21 and Z39.50, Koha ensures seamless data exchange with similar ILMS platforms.Objectives of this Workshop
- To encourage the adoption of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) for cost-effective library operations and services.
- To provide hands-on training in the practical implementation of Koha and DSpace for library automation and digital repository creation.
- To familiarize participants with international standards and protocols like MARC21 and Z39.50 for seamless data management and interoperability.
- To promote best practices in cataloging, metadata management, and digital content preservation using open-source tools
- To explore strategies for integrating library automation with emerging technologies for enhanced user experiences.
- To demonstrate the scalability and flexibility of Koha.
Scope of the Workshop
The workshop will cover tutorial/ demonstrations and hands-on practice sessions on following topics:- Open Source Software- An Introduction Installation and configuration of Koha and Clients Core Modules of Koha Acquisition, Technical Processing, Circulation, Serials Control MARC 21 Bibliographic format based cataloguing along with standardization of data entry activities User interfaces of Koha-Web-OPAC, Reservation, Statistics, etc.
- System Administration of Koha.
Who Should Attend
The workshop is designed for library and information professionals, librarians, knowledge managers, scholars and students interested or involved in developing and implementing library automation in their organizations. It is beneficial for professionals from libraries with limited infrastructure and budget.