The National Workshop on Koha was organized by Kerala Library Association from 11-12 May 2019 at the Computer Centre, University of Kerala. The main objective of the workshop was to enable the Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals to install, customize Koha , an open source library management software, and to mange various housekeeping operations of the library with Koha. It was also a forum for the LIS professionals working with koha in academic libraries, public libraries and special libraries to exchange information and deliberate on the common issues faced in Koha. Hence the workshop had adopted the following practical sessions : Ubuntu Linux package management using APT, Installation of Koha, introduction to Koha staff client, Koha Administration, Cataloguing, Circulation, Generation of various customized reports, Label printing, customization of homepage etc. .
The National Workshop was inaugurated at 10 am on 11 May 2019 by Sri N. Parameswaran, Former Deputy Librarian-in-Charge of Kerala University Library, University of Kerala. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Vijayakuamr, K. P. , President, Kerala Library Association (KLA) and former Head of the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), University of Kerala.. Dr. P. K. Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, Kerala Library Association, welcomed the gathering. In his presidential address, Shri. N. Parameswaran highlighted the importance of open source library management system especially Koha in different types of libraries. He was instrumental in initiating the Koha installation in Asian School of Business Management when he was in charge of its Library and Information Division. Dr. A. Gopikuttan, former professor and Head, DLIS, University of Kerala, Shri. N. Sukumaran Nair, Former State Librarian, Kerala State Central Library, offered felicitations on the occasion. The inaugural session came to a close with vote of thanks proposed by Shri. S.L Faisal, Librarian, Kendriya Vidyala, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram.
Forty participants from all over the country were attended the two days workshop. The practical sessions were handled by Shri. Vimal Kumar Vazhappally, Technical Assistant, M.G University Library. He is one of the eminent resource persons of National repute in Koha .Shri. A.Abdunnasar, Librarian IIST, Thiruvananthapuram and Shri. G.Sujith were supported the participants in hands-on training.
The Valedictory session on 12th May 2019 at 5 pm was presided over by Dr. P.K Suresh Kumar. General Secretary, KLA and Sri. A. Abdunnasar, Office Secretary, KLA, welcomed the participants and dignitaries. The participants presented the overall feedback of the programme. Sri. Vimal Kumar Vazhappally, offered felicitation. Dr K.P Vijayakumar , President, KLA, distributed the certificates to the participants and resource persons then he proposed the vote of thanks.
