Hubbry Logo
Koha (software)Koha (software)Main
Open search
Koha (software)
Community hub
Koha (software)
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Koha (software)
Koha (software)
Koha (software)
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Koha
Original authorKatipo Communications
DeveloperKoha Community[1]
Initial releaseJanuary 2000; 26 years ago (2000-01)
Stable release
Koha 25.11.00[2] Edit this on Wikidata / 5 December 2025; 2 months ago (5 December 2025)
Written inPerl, JavaScript
Operating systemLinux
Available in26 languages[3]
TypeIntegrated library system
LicenseGPL-3.0-or-later
Websitekoha-community.org Edit this at Wikidata
Repository

Koha is an open-source integrated library system (ILS), used world-wide by public, school and special libraries, but also in some larger academic libraries. The name comes from a Māori term for a gift or donation.

Features

[edit]

Koha is a web-based ILS, with a SQL database (MariaDB or MySQL preferred[citation needed]) back end with cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50 or SRU. The user interface is very configurable and adaptable and has been translated into many languages.[3] Koha has most of the features that would be expected in an ILS, including:

  • Various Web 2.0 facilities like tagging, comment, social sharing and RSS feeds
  • Union catalog facility
  • Customizable search
  • Online circulation
  • Bar code printing
  • Patron card creation
  • Report generation
  • Patron self registration form through OPAC

History

[edit]

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.[4]

From 2000, companies started providing commercial support for Koha, building to more than 50 today.[5]

In 2001, Paul Poulain (of Marseille, France) began adding many new features to Koha, most significantly support for multiple languages.[6] 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.[7] Poulain co-founded BibLibre in 2007.[8]

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.[9]

In 2007 a group of libraries in Vermont began testing the use of Koha for 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. Fifty-seven libraries have chosen to adopt Koha and moved to the shared production environment hosted and supported by ByWater Solutions.[10] Another consortium of libraries in Vermont, the Catamount Library Network has also adopted Koha (also hosted by ByWater Solutions). Previously automated Vermont libraries used software from Follett, or other commercial software vendors.[11]

In 2010 the King's Fund, supported by PTFS Europe, completed their migration to Koha after an extensive feasibility study.[12]

In 2011 the Spanish Ministry of Culture began maintenance of KOBLI, a tailored version of Koha[13] based on an earlier report.[14][15] The project was concluded in 2018.[16]

In 2014 the Ministry of Culture (Turkey) started to use Koha–Devinim in 1,136 public libraries with more than 17 million items and around 2 million active users.[17] Specialized libraries such as music libraries have adopted Koha because its open-source nature offers easier customization for their particular use cases.[18]

A 2017 Library Technology Reports article claimed that Koha "holds the position as the most widely implemented open source integrated library system (ILS) in the world".[19] According to ohloh (now OpenHub), in 2019 Koha had a "[v]ery large, active development team" and a "[m]ature, well-established codebase", with hundreds of contributors and over 20 monthly contributors each month from 2011 to 2019.[20]

Dispute with LibLime / PTFS

[edit]

In 2009 a dispute arose between LibLime and other members of the Koha community. The dispute centred on LibLime's apparent reluctance to be inclusive with the content of the sites[21] and the non-contribution of software patches back to the community. A number of participants declared that they believed that LibLime had forked the software and the community.[22][23][24][25][26][27] A separate web presence, source code repository and community was established.[28] The fork continued after March 2010, when LibLime was purchased by PTFS.[29]

In November 2011, LibLime announced they had been granted a provisional trademark on the use of the name koha in New Zealand by Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand.[30] The Koha community and Catalyst IT Ltd (NZ) successfully appealed against the provisional trademark grant, with a decision handed down in December 2013[31] and with LibLime to pay costs.[32][33][34]

Releases

[edit]

Koha releases follow a regular, calendar based, pattern with monthly maintenance releases and bi-annual feature releases.

Current and historic releases
Version Release date Supported until
Latest version: 25.11 2025-12-06[35] (stable) 2027-05
Supported: 25.05 2025-05-27[36] (oldstable) 2026-11
Supported: 24.11 LTS 2024-11-26[37] (oldoldstable) 2028-05
Unsupported: 24.05 2024-05-28[38] (oldoldoldstable) 2025-11
Unsupported: 23.11 2023-11-30[39] 2025-05
Unsupported: 23.05 2023-05-31[40] 2024-11
Supported: 22.11 LTS 2022-11-25[41] 2026-05
Unsupported: 22.05 2022-05-28[42] 2023-11
Unsupported: 21.11 2021-11-25[43] 2023-05
Unsupported: 21.05 2021-05-28[44] 2022-11
Unsupported: 20.11 2020-11-27[45] 2022-05
Unsupported: 20.05 2020-05-31[46] 2021-11
Unsupported: 19.11 2019-11-27[47] 2022-11
Unsupported: 19.05 2019-05-30[48] 2020-11
Unsupported: 18.11 2018-11-27[49] 2020-05
Legend:
Unsupported
Supported
Latest version

Each Koha release has a version number that consists of the year and month number of the release.[50] Koha 22.11 was the first release with Long Term Support / LTS.[51]

Awards

[edit]
  • 2000 winner of the Not for Profit section of the 2000 Interactive New Zealand Awards[52]
  • 2000 winner of the LIANZA / 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries[53]
  • 2003 winner of the public organisation section of the Les Trophées du Libre
  • 2004 winner Use of IT in a Not-for-Profit Organisation Computerworld Excellence Awards[54]
  • 2014 Finalist Open Source Software Project New Zealand Open Source Awards[55]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Koha (software)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Koha is an open-source (ILS), recognized as the world's first free software library automation package, designed to manage core library functions such as cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials control, and reporting in a scalable, web-based interface. Developed initially in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in , it was first deployed live on January 3, 2000, and publicly released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later on July 21, 2000, marking a pioneering effort in open-source library technology. It is now distributed under GPL version 3 or later. The software's development has been driven by a global community of over 400 contributors, including librarians, developers, and volunteers from libraries of varying sizes, with no single vendor controlling its direction to avoid lock-in. Key features include multilingual support for numerous languages, compliance with standards like MARC 21, , and SIP2, integration with external services such as Amazon and for enhanced catalogs, and modules for offline circulation, label printing, and multi-format notices. As of November 2025, Koha powers operations in approximately 4,748 libraries across public, academic, school, special, and other institutions worldwide, with recent adoptions including the and the release of version 25.05 in October 2025. Koha emphasizes accessibility and customization, allowing libraries to self-host on platforms like / or seek support from certified providers, fostering a collaborative through annual conferences (KohaCons) and ongoing releases that incorporate community feedback. Its growth reflects a commitment to open standards and innovation, enabling libraries to handle collections from small to very large scales without proprietary constraints.

Introduction

Overview

Koha is the world's first free and open-source (ILS), providing a comprehensive platform for managing essential library operations including cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions. As a fully featured and scalable solution, it enables to handle collections, patron services, and administrative tasks efficiently without proprietary licensing costs. The name "Koha" originates from the , where it means "gift," embodying the software's open-source ethos of freely sharing technology to benefit the global library community. This reflects its development as a collaborative contribution, emphasizing reciprocity and accessibility in . Primarily adopted by public, school, academic, and special libraries worldwide, Koha accommodates institutions of varying sizes, from small collections to large enterprise-scale operations. It is a web-based application built primarily in , with and /CSS for user interfaces, and operates on or Unix servers using a or database. As of 2025, it offers multilingual support with full or partial translations in over 20 languages, facilitating international use. The official website, koha-community.org, acts as the primary hub for software downloads, user documentation, and community resources.

Licensing and Technical Foundation

Koha is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later (GPL-3.0-or-later), a license that permits users to freely use, study, modify, and distribute the software, provided that derivative works remain . This licensing model, adopted since the software's initial public release in 2000, fosters collaborative development by ensuring that contributions from libraries, volunteers, and support companies are shared with the community. Community-driven enhancements are primarily managed through a repository hosted on platforms like , where developers submit code changes for review and integration into official releases. The technical foundation of Koha relies on a LAMP (Linux, , , ) stack, with the backend primarily written in Perl for handling core logic and database interactions. It uses or as the management system to store bibliographic, patron, and circulation data. The frontend employs libraries such as for dynamic interactions and Bootstrap for responsive, mobile-friendly design in both the staff interface and OPAC. Koha integrates with MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) standards, particularly MARC21, to manage and exchange bibliographic records, enabling compatibility with library data formats like MARCXML for imports and exports. System requirements for Koha emphasize a stable environment, with or distributions recommended for their compatibility and ease of package management. For small libraries handling up to 25,000 items, minimum hardware includes an i5 processor and 8 GB RAM, though 4 GB RAM may suffice for very basic setups with low concurrent users. Root access to the server is required for installation, along with for web serving and modules verified during setup. Optional integrations enhance functionality, such as Zebra for full-text indexing of MARC records or for advanced search capabilities, and the SIP2 protocol for interfacing with kiosks and automated circulation systems. Customization in Koha is facilitated by a modular plugin system, allowing libraries to extend core functionality without altering the base code; plugins are packaged as ZIP files containing scripts, templates, and reports, installed via the administration interface after enabling the feature in the configuration file. The RESTful API provides endpoints for programmatic access, supporting operations like patron management and item checkouts, secured via OAuth2 or basic authentication, which enables integrations such as RFID tracking for inventory or third-party analytics tools for usage reporting.

Core Features

Circulation and Cataloging Modules

The Circulation module in Koha facilitates the core operations of lending and returning materials, enabling staff to manage checkouts, check-ins, and related transactions efficiently. To initiate a checkout, staff scan or enter the patron's or name, followed by the item's , which verifies eligibility based on predefined rules and updates the item's status in real time. Check-ins are performed similarly by scanning the item , triggering automatic processes such as hold placements or overdue fine assessments, with support for and book drop modes to handle returns outside staffed hours. This module also automates overdue notices through customizable templates in the Notices and Slips tool, sending alerts via , , or print based on circulation rules that define periods by patron categories (e.g., adults versus students) and item types (e.g., books versus DVDs). Holds and reserves management allows staff to place, prioritize, suspend, or cancel requests, with a queue system organizing items for pickup and integration ensuring holds are fulfilled upon check-in. Fine calculations are governed by configurable rules, including daily rates and caps, activated via the finesMode system preference, ensuring accurate tracking of patron accounts without manual intervention. The Cataloging module provides tools for creating, editing, and maintaining bibliographic , primarily using MARC21 or UNIMARC formats within customizable frameworks defined in the administration settings. MARC record editing occurs through a basic or advanced editor (enabled by the EnableAdvancedCatalogingEditor preference), allowing staff to add, duplicate, or reorder fields and subfields, with plugins for fixed fields like 006 and 008, and keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. and lookups integrate with external sources via /SRU protocols to import from other libraries, while API support enhances content by retrieving cover images and metadata during cataloging. Authority control is enforced through linked for names, subjects, and series, with a preference (RequireChoosingExistingAuthority) that prompts selection from existing authorities to maintain consistency, indicated by lock icons on relevant fields. Batch import and export tools enable large-scale inventory management, where MARC or MARCXML files are staged for import with matching rules to avoid duplicates, and exports facilitate or backups, supporting embedded item details for streamlined updates. In Koha 25.05, enhancements include support for batch item creation to improve efficiency in adding multiple items to . Integration between the Circulation and Cataloging modules ensures seamless workflows, with real-time syncing of item statuses via shared database fields (e.g., the 952 field in MARC ), so changes like checkouts or losses immediately reflect in catalog searches and patron views. This supports multi-branch libraries by allowing branch-specific rules for loans, holds, and transfers, where items can be routed between locations using the Transfers module, maintaining accurate availability across networks. Advanced workflows extend these capabilities: serials management tracks periodicals through subscription setup linked to bibliographic , automating issue prediction, , and claiming, with created items entering circulation for lending or lists. Interlibrary loans leverage the ILL module for requesting external materials, integrating with circulation for check-in/out of borrowed items and supporting protocols like NCIP for automated messaging between systems, though full implementation may require backend configuration.

Patron and Reporting Tools

Koha provides robust patron management capabilities, enabling libraries to handle user registration through the staff interface or self-registration directly via the (OPAC). During registration, essential fields such as name, contact details, and category are captured, with options for quick-add functionality to streamline the process for high-volume scenarios. In Koha 25.05, a new improves patron search performance, particularly in large databases. Profile editing allows staff to modify records comprehensively, including demographic updates and library-specific settings, while patrons can perform limited self-edits through the OPAC subject to staff approval. Messaging preferences are configurable at registration or during edits, supporting delivery methods like , , phone, or print for notices such as due dates, advance warnings, and hold fulfillments; patrons can adjust these preferences themselves via the OPAC when the EnhancedMessagingPreferencesOPAC system preference is enabled. Privacy controls in Koha emphasize data protection, with the OPACPrivacy system preference allowing patrons to of retaining their circulation and holds history, thereby limiting exposure in line with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A GDPR consent form can be enforced on OPAC login to obtain explicit user agreement for data processing, and tools for batch patron anonymization enable libraries to pseudonymize records for compliance with privacy policies. These features ensure that sensitive patron information, such as borrowing history, is managed securely, with audit logs tracking changes to restrictions via the BorrowersLog since version 24.05. The OPAC in Koha serves as a user-friendly interface for public access to library resources, featuring customizable search options that include basic keyword entry and advanced filters. Faceted navigation on the search results page allows users to refine queries by attributes like author, format, or location, enhancing discovery efficiency. RSS feeds are available for search results and public lists, enabling patrons to subscribe for updates on new matches via an RSS icon. The interface is mobile-responsive, supporting seamless access on devices like smartphones, including features such as virtual display for checkouts. Web 2.0 functionalities in the OPAC promote user engagement, with tagging enabled for bibliographic records from search results or detail pages when the TagsEnabled preference is active, allowing patrons to add descriptive labels. Reviews are facilitated through a comments tab on item details, where patrons submit feedback that staff approve before public display, fostering community interaction. Koha’s reporting tools empower administrators with flexible data analysis options, including a guided Report Wizard that builds queries in six steps—selecting modules, fields, limits, calculations, sorting, and display—for generating insights on usage statistics, circulation trends, and acquisition patterns. For advanced needs, the SQL Reports feature supports custom queries with autocomplete assistance and runtime parameters like date ranges or branches, drawing from the database to produce tailored outputs such as member lists or shelving reports. In Koha 25.05, Select2 integration enhances the usability of SQL reports. Results can be exported in formats including CSV, tab-separated text, and Open Document Spreadsheet (ODS), with download limits configurable via the ReportsExportLimit preference to manage system resources. Integration with external analytics tools is possible, particularly for tracking OPAC usage; libraries can embed Google Analytics tracking code in the OPAC pages to monitor visitor behavior and engagement metrics alongside Koha’s internal reports. Accessibility in Koha prioritizes inclusive design, with the OPAC and staff interfaces incorporating features aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, including proper alt text for images, skip links for navigation, and keyboard-accessible functionality to support screen reader compatibility, as enhanced in version 25.05. Multilingual support is built-in, allowing interfaces in over 100 languages through language selection preferences, ensuring global usability. Customizable themes enable libraries to adjust colors, fonts, and layouts for better contrast and readability, accommodating diverse user needs such as text resizing up to 200% without loss of functionality.

Development History

Origins and Early Releases

Koha originated in 1999 when the Horowhenua Library Trust (HLT) in sought to replace its aging proprietary , which faced Y2K compliance issues, but found no affordable open-source alternatives after issuing a request for proposals. Katipo Communications Limited, a Wellington-based firm founded in 1996, was contracted to develop a custom solution, with work commencing on September 6, 1999, in collaboration with HLT staff including data conversion specialist Olwen Williams. Led by developer Chris Cormack, the project resulted in the system's first live installation at HLT on January 3, 2000, marking Koha as the world's inaugural open-source . The initial public release, version 1.00, occurred on July 21, 2000, making Koha freely available under the GNU General Public License and earning it recognition, such as a feature in New Zealand's Library Life magazine and the Innovation in Libraries award in October 2000. Core features at launch encompassed a basic (OPAC) for patron searches, a circulation module for checkouts and returns, and rudimentary cataloging tools for bibliographic record management, all built using , , and . These components addressed HLT's immediate needs for a web-based system but lacked advanced functionalities like MARC record import/export, which began development in June 2001. Early enhancements were driven by a small group of volunteers following the initial contract, as Katipo shifted focus amid limited funding; for instance, external contributor Glen Stewart submitted the first patch in December 2000, while Steve Tonnesen advanced the cataloging interface. In early 2002, French developer Paul Poulain joined as the seventh committer, introducing templates in the 1.2.0 release to enable multi-language support and facilitating Koha's international appeal. Poulain's efforts, starting with his first to the Koha in February 2002, exemplified the volunteer-driven model that sustained growth despite resource constraints. Adoption beyond New Zealand began modestly, with web-based circulation added in February 2001 via version 1.1.0, attracting early international interest. The Nelsonville Public Library in , , became the first North American implementation in August 2003, after enhancements like protocol support were completed to meet its requirements. By December 2002, the first known French installation occurred at ND-Dombes Abbey, signaling Koha's expansion into amid ongoing challenges of sparse documentation and reliance on community patches for stability. These early years laid the groundwork for Koha's evolution, culminating in version 2.0.0 in 2004, which incorporated improved MARC handling and serials management.

Community Expansion and Milestones

Following the initial releases, Koha's community experienced significant growth in the mid-2000s, driven by commercial support and feature integrations that enhanced its scalability. In 2005, Metavore, Inc., operating as LibLime, was founded to provide professional support for Koha and contributed key enhancements in the mid-2000s, including the integration of the Zebra indexing engine in 2008 with Koha 3.0, which improved search capabilities and made the software suitable for larger institutions. This period marked an expansion into academic libraries and broader international adoption, exemplified by the Organization of Koha Automated Libraries (VOKAL) , which implemented a shared Koha instance in late 2010 to serve multiple public and academic libraries across the state. Key milestones in the 2010s underscored Koha's global reach and technical evolution. In 2014, Turkey's and Tourism adopted a customized version of Koha, known as Koha-Devinim, to automate 1,136 public libraries, managing over 17 million items and serving approximately 2 million users, representing one of the largest single implementations at the time. The following year, , saw the introduction of a framework using Mojolicious and Swagger2, enabling better integration with external systems and automation tools for library workflows. By , marking Koha's 20th since its initial release, the community celebrated at KohaCon20 in , , with releases like 20.05 introducing improved cloud hosting compatibility and support for scalable deployments without on-premise infrastructure. Up to 2025, Koha's development continued to advance through community-driven innovations. The 25th anniversary was commemorated at KohaCon25, held from November 17 to 23 in Wellington, New Zealand, highlighting two and a half decades of open-source library automation. Recent enhancements included AI-assisted tools for cataloging, such as integrations with ChatGPT for generating reports and metadata suggestions, streamlining bibliographic processes for librarians. The community's vitality is evident in its collaborative efforts, with over 300 unique contributors active on , fostering ongoing improvements through code submissions and plugins. Translation initiatives have further broadened accessibility, with Koha interfaces now available in 102 languages via the Weblate platform, supporting diverse global users.

Community and Governance

Koha Community Structure

The Koha operates under a decentralized, volunteer-led model, where development and major decisions are guided by contributors including developers, librarians, and support organizations. In July 2024, the voted overwhelmingly (93.2% in favor) to approve the proposal to establish the Koha Foundation as an administrative home within the Open Library Foundation (OLF). Following the vote, a steering group was formed to oversee the process, with draft bylaws released for feedback in 2025; as of November 2025, the foundation is in the process of being established to enable project-specific , capabilities, and consolidated resources such as bug trackers and legal support while preserving the existing volunteer-driven structure. Prior to this, oversight was provided by the Horowhenua Library Trust through the Koha , a subcommittee of eight members that advises on priorities and represents user interests. Decision-making occurs collaboratively via , the chat platform, and periodic IRC meetings, with significant changes—like the OLF integration—approved through open votes accessible to all members. Contributions to Koha follow structured processes to maintain code quality and accessibility. Bugs and feature requests are reported and tracked using at bugs.koha-community.org, allowing users to submit issues and monitor progress. Code changes are submitted via on the project's repository (gitlab.com/koha-community/Koha), where developers propose patches for review and integration into official releases. Documentation updates and guidelines are managed on the official wiki at wiki.koha-community.org, encouraging contributions from non-coders such as user manuals and installation guides. To foster a respectful environment, the adopted a and anti-harassment policy in 2014, which applies to all interactions, events, and contributions, emphasizing inclusivity and professional behavior. Key roles within the community support specialized aspects of development and maintenance. Release Maintainers oversee specific version branches, coordinating bug fixes and enhancements for stable releases, such as those for versions 24.05 and 24.11. , led by a dedicated manager, handle localization efforts through the Translate portal at translate.koha-community.org, supporting over 100 languages to broaden global accessibility. Packagers focus on distribution-specific adaptations, for example, preparing Debian packages to simplify installation on systems. Module maintainers, often volunteer experts, manage individual components like circulation or cataloging, ensuring targeted improvements. Inclusivity efforts have been central since the 2009 community dispute, which reinforced commitments to fully open-source principles by preventing proprietary forks and ensuring unrestricted access to the codebase for all contributors. The Code of Conduct further promotes diversity by prohibiting discrimination based on factors such as , , or location, encouraging broad participation from libraries worldwide. These initiatives, including multilingual support and open voting processes, aim to sustain a collaborative environment free from commercial restrictions.

Conferences and Support Networks

KohaCon serves as the primary annual for the Koha community, fostering among users, developers, and contributors worldwide. Initiated in 2006, it has been held every year since, typically rotating across continents to promote global participation, with events featuring keynotes, workshops, presentations on best practices, and coding sprints for hands-on development. The is free to attend, emphasizing and community-driven agendas, as seen in KohaCon24 held in Montréal, , which focused on in the GLAMR sector. KohaCon25, held from November 17–23, 2025, in , , celebrated 25 years of Koha with a program including international speakers and interactive sessions. Regional groups and meetups extend Koha's engagement beyond the annual conference, providing localized opportunities for users to address specific needs. In the United States, koha-US supports several regional users groups, such as the Kansas Koha Explorers Group, which meets twice yearly including at the ; the covering , , , and ; and the for diverse library types in the region. Internationally, chapters exist across , , and the , with events like the koha-US Annual in , in 2025, offering region-specific training and networking. Support companies such as ByWater Solutions and PTFS often contribute to these gatherings through sponsorships, webinars, and facilitation of local meetups to enhance ties. Support networks for Koha users include a mix of free community resources and paid professional services, enabling peer-to-peer assistance and structured learning. Free options encompass mailing lists for discussions, web forums for troubleshooting, and real-time chat via the Koha Community Mattermost instance, formerly IRC channels, where users seek immediate help on implementation and customization. The Koha wiki serves as a central repository for documentation, tips, tricks, and best practices, while the official YouTube channel provides tutorials on modules like circulation and reporting. Paid training is available through partners like ByWater Solutions and PTFS, offering webinars, on-site sessions, and customized programs focused on advanced features and migrations. These networks emphasize peer mentoring, with users sharing experiences via special interest groups on topics like acquisitions and cataloging.

LibLime and PTFS Dispute

In 2009, tensions arose within the Koha community over LibLime's (formerly Metavore) growing influence and perceived attempts to exert control over the project's direction. LibLime, which had acquired key Koha assets from original developer Katipo Communications in 2007, contributed significantly to the but began restricting access to its development processes by establishing a private repository for customer-specific enhancements in mid-2009. This move, justified by LibLime as necessary for meeting client deadlines and protecting sensitive data, raised concerns about inclusivity and the erosion of open collaboration principles, as the company ceased sharing updates publicly after June 2009. The situation escalated later that year when LibLime announced LibLime Enterprise Koha, a commercial variant with exclusive features, effectively creating a of the project despite claims it remained GPL-compliant. In response, the Koha community, led by figures like Chris Cormack and supported by the Horowhenua Library Trust (HLT)—the original commissioner of Koha—formed an independent site at koha-community.org in September 2009 to host public development and resources, decoupling from LibLime-controlled domains. This community emphasized transparent, inclusive and continued active development. In January 2010, PTFS (Progressive Technology Federal Systems) acquired LibLime, inheriting its Koha-related intellectual property and customer base, with initial hopes of reconciling commercial and community interests. However, disputes intensified as PTFS sought to reclaim control of koha.org and applied for the "Koha" in multiple jurisdictions, including in February 2010, prompting accusations of attempting to monopolize the project's identity. Legal battles over the began in earnest in 2011, particularly in , where PTFS's application was tentatively approved in November despite community opposition, leading to formal challenges by HLT and Wellington-based Catalyst IT. Key developments included arbitration proceedings at the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) starting in 2012, where HLT, elected by the community in 2009 to hold the Koha intellectual property on behalf of users worldwide, had adopted the Koha Trademark Usage Policy on January 18, 2012. PTFS defended its application by asserting prior use and ownership through LibLime's contributions, but the community argued that Koha's open-source nature and global recognition predated such claims. The conflict culminated in a December 11, 2013, IPONZ ruling that denied PTFS's trademark, affirming HLT's opposition under sections 17(1)(a) and 17(1)(b) of New Zealand's Trade Marks Act due to the mark's descriptiveness and lack of distinctiveness for PTFS. The resolution strengthened Koha's commitment to open-source principles, with the community retaining control over the trademark via HLT and formalizing usage policies to prevent future commercial overreach. Post-dispute, PTFS continued as a Koha , providing implementation and maintenance services through its European division and integrating its code contributions into the mainline project, while adhering to community guidelines.

Commercial Implementations and Partnerships

Several commercial entities specialize in supporting Koha implementations, offering services such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) hosting, , customization, and ongoing maintenance to libraries seeking professional assistance beyond resources. These providers enable libraries to leverage Koha's open-source core while addressing needs for , , and specialized features without developing in-house expertise. Prominent providers include ByWater Solutions, which delivers comprehensive Koha hosting, implementation, and custom development services tailored to libraries of varying sizes, including cloud-based deployments for public and academic institutions. PTFS (rebranded as Open Fifth in 2025) continues to offer post-dispute support through framework agreements for systems, including Koha migrations and integrations for educational consortia in the UK and . BibLibre, a French-based firm, focuses on SaaS-exclusive Koha maintenance since 2025, providing migration, training, and hosting services primarily to academic and public libraries in and . These companies emphasize cost-effective alternatives to proprietary systems, often bundling services to facilitate seamless transitions. Partnership models among these providers involve contributing enhancements to Koha's core codebase as official supporters, ensuring community-wide benefits from commercial innovations. For instance, integrations with hardware vendors like enable RFID functionality for self-checkout and inventory management, using protocols such as SIP2 to connect Koha with 3M's security systems and readers. Recent collaborations, such as PTFS and ByWater Solutions partnering with TDNet in 2025, streamline access to electronic resources through seamless integrations. These models promote , allowing libraries to extend Koha's capabilities with third-party tools for automation and user services. Globally, cloud-based Koha deployments support large-scale consortia, with Open Library Initiative providing hosted solutions like Koha On Demand for Canadian libraries, serving 41 locations (as of May 2025) through tailored implementations for public and school systems. Such deployments have enabled significant cost savings compared to integrated systems (ILS), primarily by eliminating licensing fees and reducing overhead. For example, 's services for Canadian consortia facilitate shared cataloging and circulation, enhancing for under-resourced networks. Sustainability for Koha's commercial ecosystem relies on funding through corporate sponsorships, development proposals, and targeted grants, which monetize value-added services while keeping the core software free. Organizations like koha-US collect sponsorships to fund community events and enhancements, while Equinox's Open-Source Grant program provides free hosting and support to nonprofit libraries, ensuring long-term viability. This hybrid approach balances commercial revenue from custom work with philanthropic contributions, fostering ongoing innovation.

Release Management

Versioning Policy

Koha employs a calendar-based versioning scheme, with major feature releases occurring twice annually in May (denoted as YY.05) and (YY.11), typically around the 22nd of the month. These stable releases are followed by monthly maintenance updates consisting of bugfixes and security patches, also released around the 22nd, until the end of the version's support lifecycle. Version numbers follow the format YY.MM.ZZ.AAA, where YY represents the year, MM the release month, ZZ the incremental bugfix number, and AAA the version. Regular major releases receive support for approximately , allowing libraries time to while ensuring ongoing fixes. Starting with version 22.11, Koha introduced (LTS) releases every two years in November, extending maintenance to 3.5 years to accommodate institutions requiring longer stability periods; subsequent LTS versions include 24.11. This policy supports up to four concurrent versions at any time, balancing innovation with reliability for diverse library environments. The release process is community-driven, with a release team—including a designated Release Manager—elected every six months to oversee coordination. Development and maintenance occur via repositories, with bug reports and patches tracked through ; the team backports fixes from the main development branch and generates changelogs from commit histories for each release announcement. input influences prioritization, though formal votes are primarily used for feature decisions rather than release timing.

Recent and Long-Term Support Releases

Koha 25.05.00, released on May 27, 2025, introduced enhancements to EDI functionality for acquisitions, including improved logging of EDIFACT errors using Koha::Logger for better accessibility and error handling. This version also featured upgrades to Elasticsearch integration, such as adding publisher and distributor numbers to the index and boosting exact title matches in search results to improve relevance. The release incorporated 5 new features, 186 enhancements, and 481 bugfixes overall, with migrations of vendor interfaces to Vue.js in acquisitions. The subsequent maintenance release, Koha 25.05.05, was issued on October 29, 2025, focusing on bugfixes including resolutions for circulation edge cases, such as preventing items in transit from appearing in the holds queue due to race conditions and ensuring pickup location dropdowns update correctly during multiple simultaneous holds in the staff interface. Koha 25.11 is planned as the next feature release in November 2025, aligning with the biannual schedule for major updates. Long-term support (LTS) releases emphasize stability for production environments, with extended maintenance including patches and bugfixes. Koha 22.11, released on November 25, 2022, marked the first official LTS version, continuing to receive updates such as the security-focused 22.11.32 in October 2025. Koha 24.11, released on November 26, 2024, serves as the current LTS, with support extending until May 2028 to provide reliable long-term deployment options. Notable changes across recent releases include migration tools to facilitate upgrades between versions, ensuring smoother transitions for libraries maintaining production systems. Versions like 21.11 reached end-of-life in 2023, with no further maintenance releases after 21.11.24 in September 2023, shifting support to archived documentation and encouraging upgrades to active versions.

Adoption and Recognition

Global Usage Statistics

Koha has achieved significant global adoption as an open-source , with more than 4,700 libraries utilizing it across over 6,600 facilities and branches worldwide as of 2025. The software is deployed in over 100 countries, serving millions of patrons through , academic, , and special libraries of varying sizes. A notable example is its implementation in , where Koha supports over 1,300 libraries managed by the and Tourism, facilitating access for millions of users in a network that handles substantial circulation volumes. Adoption is particularly strong in North America, where libraries in the United States rely on Koha, often through support providers like ByWater Solutions. In Europe, French-based BibLibre has enabled implementations for hundreds of libraries across the continent, including academic and public institutions in France, Sweden, and beyond. Developing regions also show robust uptake, supported by organizations like EIFL, which has promoted Koha in Africa and Asia for resource-constrained libraries in countries such as Mali, Zambia, and India. Key case studies illustrate Koha's versatility and impact. The Horowhenua Library Trust in pioneered the system in , commissioning its development as the world's first open-source ILS to manage a small network, which has since inspired global adaptations. In , Koha has been integrated into educational institutions through programs like NLIST, supporting e-resource access and in college and school libraries nationwide. Recent adoptions in 2025 include the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library and the Metro Transportation Research Library and Archives. Koha delivers measurable impact, particularly in cost efficiency; mid-sized consortia report annual savings exceeding $1 million by avoiding licensing fees and leveraging community-driven updates. User satisfaction remains high, with a 2023 international survey indicating Koha as highly rated for functionality and support.

Awards and Achievements

Koha has garnered several awards and recognitions since its inception, underscoring its pioneering role in open-source integrated library systems (ILS). In 2000, shortly after its release, Koha received the LIANZA/ Best New Development Award for innovation in libraries and the Not for Profit section of the Interactive Awards, highlighting its early impact on community-driven library automation. These honors recognized Koha's cost-effective solution for small libraries, such as the Horowhenua Library Trust in , where it was first implemented. Subsequent accolades further affirmed Koha's growing influence in the open-source ecosystem. In , it won the public organization section of Les Trophées du Libre, a French contest promoting innovative projects, for its comprehensive library management capabilities. The following year, in 2004, Koha earned the Computerworld Excellence Award in the category of Use of IT in a Not-for-Profit Organisation, celebrating its effective application in nonprofit settings. Later recognitions reflect Koha's sustained relevance and community support. In 2014, it was named a finalist in the Project category at the New Zealand Open Source Awards, acknowledging its ongoing development and . These awards collectively emphasize Koha's innovation in providing accessible, customizable open-source ILS solutions, its resilience amid legal challenges like the LibLime dispute, and its contributions to equitable library services, particularly for resource-limited institutions. In recent years, Koha has achieved broader milestones of recognition. In 2025, it was ranked among the top 10 software tools by industry analyses, praised for its scalability and open-source flexibility suitable for diverse library sizes. Additionally, the KohaCon25 conference in , , marked the project's 25-year anniversary, featuring sessions on its historical milestones and future directions, reinforcing its enduring legacy in global librarianship.

References

  1. https://koha-community.org/en/about/
  2. https://koha-community.org/en/about/history/
  3. https://go-to-hellman.blogspot.com/2010/07/koha-community-considers-affero-license.html
  4. https://www.librarytechnology.org/product/koha
  5. https://koha-community.org/en/
  6. https://www.catalyst.net.nz/blog/koha-reflecting-name
  7. https://opensource.com/education/14/4/story-of-koha-lms
  8. https://www.equinoxoli.org/products/koha/
  9. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-24-11-05-released/
  10. https://github.com/Koha-Community/Koha
  11. https://www.eifl.net/resources/koha-worlds-first-free-and-open-source-integrated-library-management-system
  12. https://koha-community.org/manual/24.11/en/html/installation.html
  13. https://koha-community.org/en/download-koha/
  14. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-24-11-00-released/
  15. http://kohageek.blogspot.com/2019/09/hardware-selection-for-koha-installation.html
  16. https://koha-community.org/manual/24.11/en/html/plugins.html
  17. https://api.koha-community.org/
  18. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/circulation.html
  19. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/cataloging.html
  20. https://koha-community.org/koha-25-05-00-released/
  21. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/serials.html
  22. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/patrons.html
  23. https://koha-community.org/koha-25-05-05-released/
  24. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/opac.html
  25. https://koha-community.org/manual/25.05/en/html/reports.html
  26. https://neowashingtonia11.rssing.com/chan-6877360/all_p6.html
  27. https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Accessibility
  28. https://librarytechnology.org/document/19403
  29. https://journals.ala.org/index.php/ltr/article/view/6405/8452
  30. https://gmlc.org/index.php/vokal
  31. https://librarytechnology.org/document/19407
  32. https://lists.koha-community.org/pipermail/koha-commits/2015-November/013579.html
  33. https://lists.koha-community.org/pipermail/koha-oz/2019-July/000211.html
  34. https://koha-community.org/en/kohacon/kohacon25/
  35. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-community-newsletter-march-2025/
  36. https://translate.koha-community.org/projects/koha/main/messages/en/
  37. https://koha-community.org/koha-community-newsletter-july-2024/
  38. https://lists.katipo.co.nz/public/koha/2025-March/061311.html
  39. https://koha-community.org/koha-community-newsletter-august-2025/
  40. https://koha-community.org/en/about/koha-project-organization/
  41. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-foundation-vote/
  42. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-community-adopts-code-of-conduct/
  43. https://translate.koha-community.org/
  44. https://koha-community.org/en/roles-3-12-koha-release/
  45. https://koha-community.org/en/about/policy/code-of-conduct/
  46. https://koha-community.org/en/kohacon/
  47. https://www.catalyst.net.nz/stories-and-studies/catalyst-blog/kohacon24-the-power-of-collaboration-in-the-glamr-sector
  48. https://2025.kohacon.org/
  49. https://lists.katipo.co.nz/public/koha/2025-January/061187.html
  50. https://koha-us.org/regional-koha-users-groups/
  51. https://koha-us.org/events/conferences/conference2025/
  52. https://bywatersolutions.com/education/getting-involved-in-the-aspen-discovery-and-koha-open-source-communities
  53. https://koha-community.org/en/support/
  54. https://www.youtube.com/c/KohaILS
  55. https://bywatersolutions.com/education/koha-24-05-release-notes
  56. https://koha-us.org/special-interest-groups/
  57. https://lwn.net/Articles/386284/
  58. https://librarytechnology.org/document/19404
  59. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-trade-mark-usage-policy/
  60. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/230631/koha-trademark-case-won-by-nz-trust
  61. https://oss-watch.ac.uk/resources/cs-koha
  62. https://koha-community.org/en/press-release-nz-koka-trademark-case-win/
  63. https://librarytechnology.org/vendor/ptfs/
  64. https://www.biblibre.com/en/koha-en/
  65. https://bywatersolutions.com/
  66. https://www.biblibre.com/en/blog/biblibre-koha-saas-mod/
  67. https://librarytechnology.org/vendor/biblibre
  68. https://www.rot13.org/~dpavlin/presentations/KohaCon/KohaCon11_Integrating_Koha_with_RFID_system.pdf
  69. https://librarytechnology.org/pr/30997
  70. https://bywatersolutions.com/education/monday-minutes-rfid-and-koha
  71. https://www.equinoxoli.org/canada/
  72. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/05/01/2025-library-systems-report/
  73. https://koha-us.org/donors/
  74. https://www.equinoxoli.org/
  75. https://koha-us.org/developments/
  76. https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Koha_Versioning
  77. https://koha-community.org/about/release-schedule/
  78. https://koha-community.org/koha-community-newsletter-september-2025/
  79. https://gitlab.com/koha-community/koha-release-notes
  80. https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Project_roles
  81. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-25-05-00-released/
  82. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-25-05-05-released/
  83. https://koha-community.org/en/about/release-schedule/
  84. https://koha-community.org/en/documentation/
  85. https://koha-community.org/en/koha-21-11-24-released/
  86. https://librarytechnology.org/product/koha
  87. https://www.cenl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/The-National-Library-of-Turkiye-Annual-Report-2024.pdf
  88. https://www.eifl.net/resources/mali-koha-ils-pilot
  89. https://ijlsit.org/archive/volume/4/issue/2/article/3029/pdf
  90. https://bywatersolutions.com/uploads/wp-content/2017/07/Case-Study__Camden-County-Library-and-Koha.pdf
  91. https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2023/
  92. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234796880_Koha_a_gift_to_libraries_from_New_Zealand
  93. https://www.lesechos.fr/2003/05/les-laureats-des-trophees-du-libre-666360
  94. https://nzoss.nz/sites/nzoss.org.nz/files/NZOSA%2520Winners%2520Media%2520Release%2520Nov%25202014.pdf
  95. https://www.scmgalaxy.com/tutorials/top-10-library-management-software-tools-in-2025-features-pros-cons-comparison/
  96. https://koha-community.org/en/kohacon25-registrations-open/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.