STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences Review Article

Applications of Koha in Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University, and the Central Library and Knowledge Resource Centre, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad: A Comparative Study

  1. Hafsa Naim Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
  2. Mehtab Alam Ansari Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
  3. Naseem Eqbal Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

Abstract

The present study analyzes the use and application of the Koha open-source integrated library management system in two academic libraries: Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, and the Central Library and Knowledge Resource Centre, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad. The study examines the level of implementation and effectiveness of major Koha modules from the perspectives of both library staff and users. A descriptive survey method was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to library professionals and users. The study primarily focuses on core Koha modules such as acquisition, cataloging, circulation, serials, and online public access catalog (OPAC), along with users’ satisfaction regarding search facilities and interface usability. The findings indicate that Koha has positively influenced library housekeeping operations, improved information retrieval, and enhanced overall service efficiency in both libraries. Most library staff expressed satisfaction with the functionality and ease of use of Koha modules, while users reported favorable experiences with OPAC features and search results. However, issues related to regular training, technical support, and infrastructure were also observed. The study concludes that Koha is a cost-effective and flexible solution for academic library automation and emphasizes the need for continuous training and system support to ensure its effective utilization in the digital library environment.

Keywords

References (28)

  1. A. M. Library Automation – An Introduction. International Journal of Research in Library Science. 2021;7(2):192. doi:10.26761/ijrls.7.2.2021.1413
  2. Kumar R. Library automation: an empirical study. Libr Waves. 2016;2(1):36–41.
  3. Nimbhorkar SP. LIBRARY AUTOMATION IN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES LIBRARIES IN INDIA AND ABROAD. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts. 2024;5(7). doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i7.2024.2674
  4. Fatoki OC. Library automation in Nigeria: the Kenneth Dike Library experience. Lagos Journal of Library and Information Science. 2006;2(2). doi:10.4314/ljlis.v2i2.35509
  5. Haneefa M. Application of information and communication technologies in special libraries in Kerala (India). Library Review. 2007;56(7):603-620. doi:10.1108/00242530710775999
  6. Md. Jamal Uddin. Use of information technology in library service: A study on some selected libraries in northern part of Bangladesh. International Journal of Library and Information Science. 2012;4(3). doi:10.5897/ijlis11.023
  7. Olagoke DP, Kolawole JA. Effect of library automation on performance of librarians in private universities in South-West Nigeria. Inf Knowl Manag. 2019;9(5):1–7.
  8. Breeding M. Major open-source ILS products. Library Technology Reports. 2008;44(8):16–31.
  9. Dhir S, Dhir S. Adoption of open‐source software versus proprietary software: An exploratory study. Strategic Change. 2017;26(4):363-371. doi:10.1002/jsc.2137
  10. Subramanyam R, Xia M. Free/Libre Open Source Software development in developing and developed countries: A conceptual framework with an exploratory study. Decision Support Systems. 2008;46(1):173-186. doi:10.1016/j.dss.2008.06.006
  11. Bradley DA. The Divergent Anarcho-utopian Discourses of the Open Source Software Movement. Canadian Journal of Communication. 2006;30(4):585-612. doi:10.22230/cjc.2005v30n4a1642
  12. SenthilKumaran P, Sreeja KP. A study on managing Koha open-source library management system in the University Library, Central University of Kerala. Int J Res Libr Sci. 2017;3(1):91–101.
  13. Koha Community. (2026). Koha manual documentation [Online]. Koha Library Software. GNU General Public License version 3. Available from: https://koha-community.org/manual/20.11/en/html/intro.html
  14. Pruett J, Choi N. A comparison between select open source and proprietary integrated library systems. Library Hi Tech. 2013;31(3):435-454. doi:10.1108/lht-01-2013-0003
  15. Eqbal N, Ansari MA. Status and application of automated system in Forest Research Institute Library: an evaluative study. J Indian Libr Assoc. 2024;60(2):284–298.
  16. Bwalya T, Akakandelwa A. Challenges of Using Koha as a Library Management System among Libraries in Higher Education Institutions in Zambia. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology. 2021;41(02):82-87. doi:10.14429/djlit.41.02.15877
  17. Hindupur JTK, Khan NZA. Koha integrated library in out tracking with advanced search and retrieval systems. JIMS8I International Journal of Information Communication and Computing Technology. 2024;12(2):749-754. doi:10.5958/2347-7202.2024.00013.6
  18. Eqbal N, Ansari MA. Assessment of library collection and services in automated system in Institute of Wood Science and Technology: issues and challenges. Indian J Libr Inf Sci. 2024;18(2):155–164. doi:10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.18224.7.
  19. Jabeen M. The adoption footprints of Koha as a library management system in university libraries of Pakistan. Journal of Information Science. 2024. doi:10.1177/01655515231214980
  20. Kampa RK, Karna N, Gouda J, Sohail M. Perceived Key Drivers and Perceived Key Barriers of Adopting and Using Koha by Academic Libraries in India. Science & Technology Libraries. 2024;44(2):120-128. doi:10.1080/0194262x.2024.2407307
  21. Ansari MA, Eqbal N, Akbar D. Library automation and networking of an academic library: an overview. J Adv Res Libr Inf Sci. 2024;11(3):18–22.
  22. Madhav Kulkarni A, Pandiyan M, Prabhas Patankar G. Smart Usage of Koha: An Open-Source Library Management System. American Journal of Information Science and Technology. 2023. doi:10.11648/j.ajist.20230701.14
  23. Garg M, Hasan N, Gupta A. Implementation of Koha in managing the e-resources of the library. Journal of Information and Knowledge. 2023:127-132. doi:10.17821/srels/2023/v60i2/170972
  24. OMOPUPA T, ADEDEJİ AA, KEHİNDE AA, ABDULSALAM AU, ABUBAKAR H. Comparative Study of Koha Usage in Bowen University and University of Ilorin Libraries. Üniversite Araştırmaları Dergisi. 2020;3(3):98-106. doi:10.32329/uad.741713
  25. S Lingam A, A. Dukare D. Survey on Koha usage in India. IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology. 2019;4(2):92-94. doi:10.18231/j.ijlsit.2019.022
  26. Uplaonkar S, Kattimani MMV. Application of Koha open-source software in University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Res J Philos Soc Sci. 2019;45(1):38–48.
  27. Chaputula A, Kanyundo A. Use of Koha-integrated library system by higher education institutions in Malawi. Digital Library Perspectives. 2019;35(3/4):117-141. doi:10.1108/dlp-07-2019-0028
  28. McGarvey V. Staffordshire University’s Koha journey: taking an integrated approach to supporting an open source library management system. Insights the UKSG journal. 2018;31. doi:10.1629/uksg.411
Support