Information systems sit at the heart of modern organizations. They store data, connect people, and support decisions. In libraries, however, information systems go further. They organize knowledge, preserve culture, and expand access to learning.
For decades, libraries depended on proprietary systems. These systems cost a lot, offered little flexibility, and created vendor lock-in. As a result, innovation slowed, and budgets stretched thin.
Meanwhile, the open source movement gained momentum. Software could now be shared, improved, and owned by its users. Because of this shift, libraries began to imagine a different future.
Koha emerged from that vision.
As the world’s first open source Integrated Library System (ILS), Koha reshaped how libraries think about technology, ownership, and collaboration.
Why the Need for Open Source Information Systems Arose
The need for open source information systems grew from real and persistent challenges.
First, cost placed heavy pressure on library budgets. Licensing fees increased every year, while funding often declined. Consequently, many libraries struggled to sustain proprietary systems.
Second, control remained firmly in the hands of vendors. Libraries could not easily customize features or respond quickly to local needs. In many cases, they had to wait for updates that never came.
Third, sustainability became a serious concern. When vendors merged, rebranded, or closed, libraries faced uncertainty about their data and systems.
Finally, innovation suffered. Closed software restricted experimentation and limited integration with emerging technologies.
Because of these challenges, libraries started looking for systems built on openness, collaboration, and flexibility. Open source offered that promise.
The Birth of Koha
It was developed in 1999–2000 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand to address a Y2K bug, and was officially launched in January 2000. It was developed using Linux, Apache, MySQL, and Perl (LAMP). The project was initiated and managed by Rosalie Blake.
At the time, the Horowhenua Library Trust needed a new library system. Existing commercial options were expensive and poorly suited to local requirements. Instead of settling for an inadequate solution, the library made a bold decision.
It commissioned Katipo Communications, a local software company, to build a new system. Importantly, the system would be released as open source software.
The name Koha comes from a Māori word meaning gift or donation. This name captured the project’s spirit from the beginning. The software would belong to everyone, and improvements would flow back to the community.
Initially, Koha focused on essential library operations. These included cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serials management, and patron records. Although simple at first, the foundation proved strong and adaptable.
Early Development and Community Growth
After its first release, Koha continued to evolve.
Because the source code was open, other libraries quickly took interest. They adopted the system, tested it in real environments, and suggested improvements. As participation increased, a global community began to form.
Developers from different countries contributed code. Librarians shared practical insights from daily use. As a result, bugs were identified faster and fixed more efficiently.
At the same time, communication channels expanded. Mailing lists, forums, and documentation repositories supported collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Moreover, Koha adopted international library standards such as MARC21, Z39.50, and later SIP2 and OAI-PMH. These standards improved interoperability and strengthened confidence in the system.
Through community effort, Koha grew from a local solution into a global platform.
Progress and Maturity
Over the years, Koha matured steadily.
The user interface improved, making the system easier to navigate. In parallel, the database structure became more robust and scalable. Multilingual support also expanded, allowing libraries to serve diverse communities.
Web-based access marked a major turning point. Libraries no longer needed special client software. Instead, staff and users could access the system through a standard web browser.
Meanwhile, development practices became more structured. Regular release cycles, public bug tracking, and open discussions improved transparency. Consequently, libraries gained greater trust in the system’s direction.
Professional support companies also joined the ecosystem. These providers offered hosting, customization, migration, and training services. However, the core software remained free and open.
This balance between community and professionalism accelerated adoption.
Stability and Reliability
For libraries, stability is non-negotiable. Systems must work every day.
Koha demonstrated its reliability through long-term use. Its modular design simplified maintenance and upgrades. In addition, its reliance on proven technologies such as Perl, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Apache ensured durability.
Security updates were released regularly. Performance improvements followed real-world feedback. Because many libraries ran Koha in production environments, issues surfaced quickly and received prompt attention.
As a result, the system became increasingly stable over time.
Today, Koha supports both small community libraries and large national consortia. This wide range of deployments confirms its reliability.
Level of Usage Worldwide
Koha is used across the globe.
Public libraries, academic institutions, schools, and special libraries rely on it daily. It supports single-branch libraries as well as complex multi-branch consortia.
In particular, Koha has gained strong traction in developing regions. Here, affordability, flexibility, and data ownership matter deeply. Because Koha allows full localization, libraries can adapt it to local languages and workflows.
Furthermore, an active international community continues to support new adopters.
Global usage demonstrates that Koha is not a niche system. Instead, it is a proven and scalable solution.
The Future of Koha and Open Source Information Systems
The future of Koha remains promising.
Digital collections continue to grow, while user expectations rise. At the same time, libraries face financial pressure and rapid technological change.
In response, Koha continues to evolve. Active development introduces new features, improves performance, and strengthens integrations.
As libraries navigate digital transformation, open source solutions will become even more important. Koha stands ready to meet that demand.