Abstract:
The principal aim of this study is to identify issues of installation and the use of Koha Open Source Software for University library automation in Sri Lanka. In this study, an attempt was made to explore the credible solutions for the identified issues too. Population of this study was 10 University main libraries using Koha and entire population was used as a finite sample of the study. Survey researched method applied and a structured questionnaire was administered to the collect primary data among the libraries. In addition to that, interviews and participatory monitoring methods also used. According to the research findings, all libraries have been converted to the Koha because of low cost of installation and maintenance, easy compliance with the International Standards. The high expensiveness of commercial softwares was one of the other reasons. 40% of libraries made installation by own staff member and 60% of libraries made their installation by outsourcing. 50% libraries which installation made by own staff member, have various issues during the installation process and the remaining 50% libraries had no issues. From the respondents who were installation made by outsourcing Koha, 83.3% libraries have issues during the installation and
another 16.7% libraries had no issues. The survey found that all modules of Koha were used by 40% libraries while 60% libraries were using all Koha modules except for the Acquisition, Circulation and Serial control modules. The study reveals that Lack of Koha study programs, Lack of proper guidance, Insufficient of training & training period were the main problems of using on Koha in University libraries. Base on the observations and findings better solutions and further suggestions have been made in order to solve the issues.
