To host or not to host, that is the question

Just a few days into the process of moving from one ILS to another I discover that another library in California is a bit further along the same way that I am now on. Great to know I’m not alone.

One question that came up on the Koha migration blog yesterday was one we also had to consider when we decided to move to Koha. Should we host the ILS at our vendor, or should we keep the system in-house?

We had one of our IT-persons with us during the discussion of this issue, and fortunately, I’m happy to say, our IT-person was completely open to the idea that our vendor could access and trouble-shoot on the in-house server. The deciding factor from our point of view was that the price for hosting and in-house was the same, and  lightening the load for our IT-people is a high priority for me. So we go for the hosted solution, but always with the option to move to one of our servers if we want. This is the preferable solution for our vendor as it simplifies upgrading and control of multiple installations.

It will be interesting to see which type of libraries migrate to Koha here in Norway. My prediction is that secondary education libraries and small academic and special libraries will lead the way. Most of these libraries will probably prefer a hosted solution if the price is right:-)

Filed under: ILS, Koha , hosting, Koha, migration

Five reasons to go for Koha

My main reasons for choosing Koha is:

1. Custom interface – the fact that I can customize the OPAC interface and the administrative interface is really important for me.

2. Development and implementation cycles -It is also great to follow the development from question to implementation. The openness and insight is one of my main reasons for leaving the proprietary system world behind.

3. LibraryThing for Libraries. The announced close ties between Koha and LibraryThing for libraries is just what I want for my library. The richness of tags and comments will make my catalog so much more valuable for the students and employees of the naval academy.

4. Cost – Yes I know open source is free as in free kittens, not free beer.  But to change a system usually costs a bundle. With Koha I could both test locally and experiment before I made a choice. The desicion was more informed than it has been at any other time in my career (and I have changed systems about four times in different workplaces). And I’m not tied to one service provider, I can move my Koha installation anywhere I like and not be stopped by “business restrictions”.

5. Community – The Koha community is worldwide and welcoming. Just look at the comments on the first Koha post   I love the idea of open source and the community around Koha. That I have something in common with librarians in New Zealand, USA and France is just awsome.

Filed under: ILS, Koha, Library 2.0 , Koha