Koha Live CD’s are useful tools for installation and learning purpose. Availability of Koha live CD is one of the reason that increased the popularity of Koha among library professionals. With the help of Koha Live CD, library professionals can try and install Koha without having much technical know how. It also saves considerable  time for the installation of Koha software during training programmes

Biju, V.V.

Jasimudeen, S.

Vimal Kumar, V.

English

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A STUDY ON MANAGING KOHA OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING 
LIVE CD.
Biju V.V., Jasimudeen S., Vimal Kumar V. 
Library Asst’s, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.
bijuvvlis@gmail.com, jasimndd@gmail.com, vimal0212@gmail.com
Abstract
Koha Live CD’s are useful tools for installation and learning purpose. Availability of Koha live CD is  
one of the reason that increased the popularity of Koha among library professionals. With the help  
of Koha Live CD, library professionals can try and install Koha without having much technical know 
how.  It  also  saves  considerable   time  for  the  installation  of  Koha  software  during  training 
programmes. 
Introduction
Koha is the first Open Source library management system and it was initially developed by 
Harowhenua Library Trust, New Zealand in 2000. Now the project has grown as one of the 
popular Open Source Library management system by large group of volunteers from various 
parts  of the world.  According to lib-web-cats [1]  1519 libraries  are using Koha world wide 
(statistics retrieved on December 26, 2011). Marjory of libraries using Koha did not registered 
in  the  Lib-web-cats,  therefore  exact  number  of  Koha  users  may  go  beyond the  statistics. 
Following are the key features which place Koha first in priority list of library professionals [2]:
● Full-featured ILS
● Library standards compliant
● Web based interfaces
● Free software (Licensed under GNU General Public License)
● No Vendor Lock in
● Active development process
● Community decides what they want
● Frequent software releases
More than ten open source library  management systems available,  but  very few of them 
popular in library automation market. Koha project started as a non-profit  initiative and it  
strictly follows the principles of Open Source philosophy. 
Problem statement
Open source Integrated Library Systems (ILS) are a new phenomenon in library automation 
industry. The main barrier between library professionals and Open Source software are lack of 
proper  awareness  and  training.  Library  professionals’  organizations  and  library  science 
schools  in  India  are  not  taking  this  as  a  serious  concern.  Librarians  are  getting  only  few 
opportunities to take part in awareness and training programmes in Open Source softwares.  
As the result, usage of Open Source software are very low in libraries. 
1
Implementation  of  Open  Source  ILS  is  difficulty  for  library  professionals  because  of  its 
complex installation procedure. Most of the Open Source softwares suitable for libraries work 
only with Linux operating system. Installation of Open Source Library Management System in 
Linux operating system is not easy as like the installation of a user friendly Windows based 
softwares. Installation of Koha in libraries need either the help of an expert or the library  
professionals should acquire expertise in Linux operating system. 
What is Koha Live CD
A “Live CD” is a bootable CD, which contains pre-configured software, this allows the user to be 
productive  without  accessing  any  other  hard  drives  [3].  Users  can  run  their  favorite 
applications without installing it  in the hard disk and without making any change in the host 
computers hard disk. Live CD’s often contain an operating system and a bunch of selected 
application softwares.  Live CD can give the feeling of  using an installed operating system. 
Users  can  also  use  application  softwares  available  with  the  live  CD.  In  live  mode  user 
generated data and files can be saved in pendrive and thereis  no need to  store in the hard 
disk. Live CD’s also allow users to permanently install the software in the computer. 
Most of the live CD’s available today are based on Linux operating system. Many of them are 
developed for test or demo of Linux operating system. User can try the operating system 
before  install  in  the  system.  Other  purposes  are  system  repair  and  restoration.  Ubuntu,  
Knoppix, Fedora and PC Linux OS, BSD Linux are popular live CD packages. 
Koha  live  CD’s  contain  Linux  operating  system  and  installed  instance  of  Koha  library 
management system.  Koha package  is  pre installed in  the CD and ready  to  use after  the 
installation of live CD. It allows library professionals to test the software before taking decision 
on Koha implementation. 
Following are the major Koha Live CD projects:
LibliveCD developed by Dr. A.R.D. Prasad, DRTC, Bangalore. This CD contain Koha, Dspace, 
PKP Harvester and many other tools useful for libraries. LibliveCD build on Ubuntu Linux. 
Home page: http://sourceforge.net/projects/liblivecd/
KOHA GSDL Integrated --  LIVE CD is  a  customized  Ubuntu  LIVE  CD  having  KOHA  ILS  , 
Greenstone  Digital  Library  Software,DBWiz  ,Sopac  and  wordpress  pre-configured  with  the 
integration between the two. It also has mail server and client configured for the mail sending 
features of KOHA.
Home page: http://gsdlkohalive.sourceforge.net/
Koha Live CD is based on Ubuntu server edition. Most of the things are preconfigured. 
Home page: http://sourceforge.net/projects/kohalivecd/
2
Koha Virtual Appliance is  available  as  a  VMDK  image  that  is  compatible  with  VMware 
products, VirtualBox, and other virtualization software [4].  This project started by Kyle Hall, 
leader of Mill Run Technology solutions from Unites States. 
OSS Labs, one of the prominent Koha premium service provider from India. They build Koha 
Live CD based on OpenSuse Linux.
Home page: http://www.osslabs.biz/koha/livecd
Many Koha Live CD’s are developing as part of training programmes organise by libraries and 
organisations. They also provided learning materials along with the Live CD. 
Benefits  
Koha Live CD is useful for both learning purpose and implementation in a real library 
environment. Following are the benefits of Koha Live CD:
● Bundled with Linux operating system, 
● Suitable for trial without install inside the hard disk of the computer,
● User friendly installation,
● No need of high end Linux expertise for maintenance,
● Customised version of Koha is ready to use,
● Availability of third party applications (e.g. email client, database backup utility),
● Suitable for offline installation and no need of Internet connection for installation.
Organising  workshops  are  more  easier  than before  with  the  availability  of  Koha Live  CD. 
Participants had to install Koha manually in workshop sessions and it would take too much 
time. It cut down the time for practicing Koha. Live CD helps participants to use Koha in virtual 
mode and no need to install Koha during workshop session. The same CD can make use for  
install Koha in their library. 
Technical Aspects
Koha Live CD’s are build using third party applications for creating customised Live CD / DVD 
based on Linux operating systems. Remastersys, Reconstructor and Ubuntu Customization Kit 
are examples of applications helpful for creating Live CD. Following are the steps involved in 
creating Koha Live CD:
1. Preparation of computer for Live CD creation,
2. Installation of Linux operating system,
3. Installation of Koha,
4. Adding third party applications (e.g. backup tools),
5. Running Live CD software and it make a clone of the system.
The process of the live CD making end with the creation of an ISO file. It can burn in a CD/DVD 
and ready for distribution. Installer inside the live CD help to install the replica of the Koha 
system in other computers. 
3
Conclusion
Lot of utilities  are available  nowadays  to build live CD.  Installation of  Koha was a tedious  
process and it prevented library professionals to try Koha Open Source library management 
system. Availability of Koha Live CD can make the installation process easy and save the time 
of the library professionals. Koha Live CD’s are free and available in Internet for download. 
This is another reason of Koha is becoming more popular among library professionals and 
students. 
References
1. lib-web-cats: an International Directory of Libraries. (n.d.). Library Technology Guides: Key Resources 
in Library Automation. Retrieved September 2, 2011, from 
http://www.librarytechnology.org/libwebcats/
2. "About | Koha Library Software Community." Koha Library Software Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 
Jan. 2012. <http://koha-community.org/about/>.
3. Pillay, Harish. "The magic of live CDs."Free Software Magazine 2005 (2005): n. pag. Free Software 
Magazine. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. http://fsmsh.com/1103
4. Hall, Kyle. "Koha Virtual Appliances | To Geek Or !Not To Geek."KyleHall.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Jan. 
2012. <http://kylehall.info/index.php/projects/koha/koha-virtual-appliance/>.
4


A study on managing Koha Open Source library management system using Live CD

Teh paper introduces Koha Live CD’s. They are useful tools for learning and installing Koha. Availability of Koha live CDs have have contributed to the popularity of Koha among library professionals. With the help of Koha Live CD, library professionals can install Koha without having much technical know how. It also saves considerable  time for the installation of Koha software during training programmes

E-LIS

A STUDY ON MANAGING KOHA OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING LIVE CD.Biju V.V., Jasimudeen S., Vimal Kumar V. Library Asst’s, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.bijuvvlis@gmail.com, jasimndd@gmail.com, vimal0212@gmail.comAbstractKoha Live CD’s are useful tools for installation and learning purpose. Availability of Koha live CD is  one of the reason that increased the popularity of Koha among library professionals. With the help  of Koha Live CD, library professionals can try and install Koha without having much technical know how.  It  also  saves  considerable   time  for  the  installation  of  Koha  software  during  training programmes. IntroductionKoha is the first Open Source library management system and it was initially developed by Harowhenua Library Trust, New Zealand in 2000. Now the project has grown as one of the popular Open Source Library management system by large group of volunteers from various parts  of the world.  According to lib-web-cats [1]  1519 libraries  are using Koha world wide (statistics retrieved on December 26, 2011). Marjory of libraries using Koha did not registered in  the  Lib-web-cats,  therefore  exact  number  of  Koha  users  may  go  beyond the  statistics. Following are the key features which place Koha first in priority list of library professionals [2]:● Full-featured ILS● Library standards compliant● Web based interfaces● Free software (Licensed under GNU General Public License)● No Vendor Lock in● Active development process● Community decides what they want● Frequent software releasesMore than ten open source library  management systems available,  but  very few of them popular in library automation market. Koha project started as a non-profit  initiative and it  strictly follows the principles of Open Source philosophy. Problem statementOpen source Integrated Library Systems (ILS) are a new phenomenon in library automation industry. The main barrier between library professionals and Open Source software are lack of proper  awareness  and  training.  Library  professionals’  organizations  and  library  science schools  in  India  are  not  taking  this  as  a  serious  concern.  Librarians  are  getting  only  few opportunities to take part in awareness and training programmes in Open Source softwares.  As the result, usage of Open Source software are very low in libraries. 1Implementation  of  Open  Source  ILS  is  difficulty  for  library  professionals  because  of  its complex installation procedure. Most of the Open Source softwares suitable for libraries work only with Linux operating system. Installation of Open Source Library Management System in Linux operating system is not easy as like the installation of a user friendly Windows based softwares. Installation of Koha in libraries need either the help of an expert or the library  professionals should acquire expertise in Linux operating system. What is Koha Live CDA “Live CD” is a bootable CD, which contains pre-configured software, this allows the user to be productive  without  accessing  any  other  hard  drives  [3].  Users  can  run  their  favorite applications without installing it  in the hard disk and without making any change in the host computers hard disk. Live CD’s often contain an operating system and a bunch of selected application softwares.  Live CD can give the feeling of  using an installed operating system. Users  can  also  use  application  softwares  available  with  the  live  CD.  In  live  mode  user generated data and files can be saved in pendrive and thereis  no need to  store in the hard disk. Live CD’s also allow users to permanently install the software in the computer. Most of the live CD’s available today are based on Linux operating system. Many of them are developed for test or demo of Linux operating system. User can try the operating system before  install  in  the  system.  Other  purposes  are  system  repair  and  restoration.  Ubuntu,  Knoppix, Fedora and PC Linux OS, BSD Linux are popular live CD packages. Koha  live  CD’s  contain  Linux  operating  system  and  installed  instance  of  Koha  library management system.  Koha package  is  pre installed in  the CD and ready  to  use after  the installation of live CD. It allows library professionals to test the software before taking decision on Koha implementation. Following are the major Koha Live CD projects:LibliveCD developed by Dr. A.R.D. Prasad, DRTC, Bangalore. This CD contain Koha, Dspace, PKP Harvester and many other tools useful for libraries. LibliveCD build on Ubuntu Linux. Home page: http://sourceforge.net/projects/liblivecd/KOHA GSDL Integrated --  LIVE CD is  a  customized  Ubuntu  LIVE  CD  having  KOHA  ILS  , Greenstone  Digital  Library  Software,DBWiz  ,Sopac  and  wordpress  pre-configured  with  the integration between the two. It also has mail server and client configured for the mail sending features of KOHA.Home page: http://gsdlkohalive.sourceforge.net/Koha Live CD is based on Ubuntu server edition. Most of the things are preconfigured. Home page: http://sourceforge.net/projects/kohalivecd/2Koha Virtual Appliance is  available  as  a  VMDK  image  that  is  compatible  with  VMware products, VirtualBox, and other virtualization software [4].  This project started by Kyle Hall, leader of Mill Run Technology solutions from Unites States. OSS Labs, one of the prominent Koha premium service provider from India. They build Koha Live CD based on OpenSuse Linux.Home page: http://www.osslabs.biz/koha/livecdMany Koha Live CD’s are developing as part of training programmes organise by libraries and organisations. They also provided learning materials along with the Live CD. Benefits  Koha Live CD is useful for both learning purpose and implementation in a real library environment. Following are the benefits of Koha Live CD:● Bundled with Linux operating system, ● Suitable for trial without install inside the hard disk of the computer,● User friendly installation,● No need of high end Linux expertise for maintenance,● Customised version of Koha is ready to use,● Availability of third party applications (e.g. email client, database backup utility),● Suitable for offline installation and no need of Internet connection for installation.Organising  workshops  are  more  easier  than before  with  the  availability  of  Koha Live  CD. Participants had to install Koha manually in workshop sessions and it would take too much time. It cut down the time for practicing Koha. Live CD helps participants to use Koha in virtual mode and no need to install Koha during workshop session. The same CD can make use for  install Koha in their library. Technical AspectsKoha Live CD’s are build using third party applications for creating customised Live CD / DVD based on Linux operating systems. Remastersys, Reconstructor and Ubuntu Customization Kit are examples of applications helpful for creating Live CD. Following are the steps involved in creating Koha Live CD:1. Preparation of computer for Live CD creation,2. Installation of Linux operating system,3. Installation of Koha,4. Adding third party applications (e.g. backup tools),5. Running Live CD software and it make a clone of the system.The process of the live CD making end with the creation of an ISO file. It can burn in a CD/DVD and ready for distribution. Installer inside the live CD help to install the replica of the Koha system in other computers. 3ConclusionLot of utilities  are available  nowadays  to build live CD.  Installation of  Koha was a tedious  process and it prevented library professionals to try Koha Open Source library management system. Availability of Koha Live CD can make the installation process easy and save the time of the library professionals. Koha Live CD’s are free and available in Internet for download. This is another reason of Koha is becoming more popular among library professionals and students. References1. lib-web-cats: an International Directory of Libraries. (n.d.). Library Technology Guides: Key Resources in Library Automation. Retrieved September 2, 2011, from http://www.librarytechnology.org/libwebcats/2. "About | Koha Library Software Community." Koha Library Software Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2012. <http://koha-community.org/about/>.3. Pillay, Harish. "The magic of live CDs."Free Software Magazine 2005 (2005): n. pag. Free Software Magazine. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. http://fsmsh.com/11034. Hall, Kyle. "Koha Virtual Appliances | To Geek Or !Not To Geek."KyleHall.info. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. <http://kylehall.info/index.php/projects/koha/koha-virtual-appliance/>.4

About | Koha Library Software Community.&quot;

Koha Virtual Appliances | To Geek Or !Not To Geek.&quot;KyleHall.info.

lib-web-cats: an International Directory of Libraries.

The magic of live CDs.&quot;Free Software Magazine

http://eprints.rclis.org/19906/1/A%20study%20on%20managing%20Koha%20Open%20Source%20library%20management%20system%20using%20Live%20CD.pdf

A study on managing Koha Open Source library management system using Live CD

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