Background
Koha was developed in New Zealand as a response to the Y2K bug and was first deployed in January 2000 for the Horowhenua Library Trust(external link). The developers suggested that Koha be released under the GNU General Public License (GPL)(external link) to ensure others could benefit from the software too. Since then, Koha has become one of the most widely used library systems globally with over 18,000 libraries using Koha.
Opportunity
Wendy Fraser, the Library Services Manager at Horowhenua Libraries approached Rōpū kohinga at Catalyst, a team with over fifteen years of experience with Koha to modernise their user experience. Wendy emphasised the importance of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) as the digital front door of the libraries - this is what library users see when they browse a catalogue. Wendy shared her desire for the OPAC to reflect their library as a modern and vibrant third space while always keeping the collection at the centre. She also wanted to ensure the library was still informative and easy to navigate while remaining attractive to new visitors.
Solution
Rōpū kohinga worked alongside Horowhenua Libraries to develop new features to improve the appearance and user experience. New highlights include:
- a customisable slider of resources enabling librarians to choose which books they wish to showcase
- customisable content blocks to bring attention to library collections such as eBooks and online resources
- a 'jump-to opening hours' widget that answers the most frequent questions
- an updated navigation and search bar in both look and usability.
Wendy shared: "Already, we have had positive feedback, not just on the local front, but internationally. The Online Public Access Catalogue has turned out better than I envisioned. When we first met with Catalyst, I just had lots of ideas... [The] Catalyst designers have been able to take all of that and make it a reality. It has been a very rewarding process and we are delighted with the result."
Since the launch of the new changes, the site has gained admirers from as close as libraries in New Zealand, and as far away as Nigeria, who adopted the new theme in a true open source spirit. In 2019, Horowhenua Libraries celebrated their 20th Koha anniversary, and Rōpū kohinga were delighted to support their rebranding.
If you're interested in learning more about Koha or new ways to manage your library collection, Rōpū kohinga is always happy to chat with you.
Koha resources
- Watch 'What's new in Koha' webinars(external link).
- Check out Koha tips and tricks.
- Subscribe to the Rōpū kohinga newsletter(external link) for updates and insights in the GLAMR sector.