The Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) has just released version 3.0 of their software.  This New Zealand-based open source project is quite mature and provides many libraries cost-effective means to run their operations.

The release notes for this version show that the biggest changes are in the database storage (Zebra) and improvements in standard APIs (such as COinS and OpenSearch).  Additionally, their attention to accessibility, staff templates, and additional modules is commendable.

thanks to Catalogablog for the heads-up

LibLime, the U.S. based support company for the Koha open-source integrated library system (ILS), has acquired Katipo Communication’s Koha division.

This is interesting news: not only will LibLime be in a much better position to offer support (it now employs many of the developers who maintain the software), it puts them in a good position to offer support in New Zealand and Australia.

I think we are seeing the early stirrings of the future of library automation:  multiple companies will offer support for a few different open-source ILS platforms.  What the library will be purchasing is the service, not the product.  They can switch support providers without having to change products.  The companies can focus on the support, and share the effort towards software development.

To see a LibLime supported Koha installation, visit the Nelsonville Public Library’s website.

from oss4lib