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Who's using Koha? Religious Libraries
Koha is empowering religious libraries around the world to upgrade to web-based automation, making their collections more accessible than ever! Some libraries, like the Toledo Diocese Media Library, have even sponsored development of new Koha profiles to meet their unique workflow needs. Here's a look at just a few of the religious libraries using Koha. Combined, their stories capture the freedom and flexibility of open-source library automation.
Ohio, USA
Toledo Diocese Media Library
Ohio, USA— When the Toledo Diocese Media Library could not find an off-the-shelf system that met the unique workflow needs of a diocese library, they decided to build their own. • Migrated to Koha in 2007The new Koha profile--sponsored by the Toledo Diocese of Ohio-- is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of Diocese Media Centers and libraries. Integrated and web-based, Koha Diocese is based on the mature Koha Version 2.2 code base in use in hundreds of libraries worldwide.
• Running Koha Diocese
• Supported by LibLime
Like much of Koha’s development over the past 6 years, Koha Diocese enhancements were library-driven. Gary Landoll, Religion Consultant for Schools and Parishes at the Toledo Diocese, says they chose Koha because “other systems couldn’t provide the functionality at a cost we could handle.” Landoll thought “by sponsoring development work, the Diocese of Toledo could help provide a solution that other diocesan media centers could use.”
Their OPAC is online at: http://72.240.40.53/
Wisconsin, USA
Northland Baptist Bible College
Wisconsin, USA—Northland Baptist Bible College (NBBC) is a specialized primarily four-year undergraduate institution. Students mainly study Bible and Theology subjects in preparation for religious ministry. Many will become missionaries, pastors and teachers.• Migrated to Koha in 2005
• Running Koha Classic
• Supported by LibLime
Head Librarian Van Carpenter says NBBC chose Koha for three reasons: cost, features, flexibility. “We have the opportunity to develop ourselves or drive development,” says Van. “This is the issue that is the largest drawback in vendors of proprietary systems. Vendors just aren’t listening to the customer any more, and they charge exorbitant fees.”
“The open-source model allows us to use cutting-edge technology without experiencing bleeding-edge costs. The value-add of a consultant like Liblime the value-add of a consultant like Liblime really makes the product suite shine for staff and patrons” -- Van Carpenter, Head Librarian, Northland Baptist Bible College
Their web-based OPAC is online at: https://libcat.nbbc.edu/