MLA Koha Training 2019

An intensive 3-day training program on Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) was offered by the Maldives Library Association in partnership with the National Library, from 10 to 12 November 2019.
Koha is an open-source ILS software and is ideal for library automation. It is used widely throughout the world by public, school, and special libraries.

The call for the training received quite a positive response, with participants registered for the full capacity of the training venue.

The training was held at Villa College QI Campus Computer Lab. The green campus made the training the more memorable.

Training Participants

1. Aishath Abdulla
2. Aishath Jilwa
3. Aishath Nazeeha
4. Aishath Zukhura
5. Ajra Rafeeq
6. Ali Hanaam
7. Aminath Abdul Ghany
8. Aminath Hasma
9. Aminath Naasiha
10. Aminath Sahiya
11. Aminath Shazina
12. Aminath Shuhudha Mohamed
13. Aminath Shukuma
14. Athiyya Shakeel
15. Fathimath Aroosha
16. Fathimath Ismail
17. Fathimath Rahma
18. Hassan Ahil Ahmed
19. Hawwa Nabaha Amir
20. Hawwa Shiuna
21. Hawwa Simla
22. Ifaaf Yoosuf
23. Mariyam Muna Moosa
24. Mariyam Shifaya
25. Rishfa Ibrahim
26. Shafeenaz Ismail
27. Shehenaaz Mohamed
28. Yumna Rafeeq

It is noteworthy that the participants of MLA Koha training 2019 belong to 14 different libraries, and 5 of these libraries are located outside of Male’. Except for 2 unemployed (fresh school leavers), the rest of the participants belong to the following institutions:

Institutions in Male’

1. Ahmadiyya International School (1 participant)
2. Aminiya School (2 participants)
3. Dhivehi Bahuge Academy (1 participant)
4. Hiriya School (4 participants)
5. Kalaafaanu School (2 participants)
6. Maldives National University (2 participants)
7. Muhiyiddin School (2 participants)
8. National Library of Maldives (3 participants)
9. Rehendhi School (1 participant)

Institutions located on other islands, outside of Male’

1. Innamaadhoo School (1 participant)
2. Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre (3 participants)
3. Maafushi School (2 participants)
4. Nolhivaranfaru School (1 participant)
5. Vashafaru School (1 participant)

The training was designed mainly targeted for librarians who will be using Koha ILS once the software has been installed for them. Therefore, more time was spent on setting systems preferences to customise the system for individual libraries. Emphasis also was placed on data entry, including patron details and the cataloguing components. Equal emphasis was also placed on OPAC functionality and use of Koha for circulation services. Participants were given hands-on practice on how to enter records manually as well as how to import MARC records from Z39.50 servers and also migrate data from spreadsheets. Further instructions were provided on running system reports as well as setting up customised reports through the guided option as well as using SQL. Installation of the software was demonstrated for the benefit of participants who had the aptitude to take this up. It is noteworthy, that among the participants there was one IT staff from Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre. To make use of the Koha open-source software, libraries require continued IT support and backup, as well as the support of school management.

The participants were very enthusiastic about the training and were engaged in the training tasks throughout the sessions. The overall feedback was overwhelmingly quite positive with the content and the delivery of the training, as well as the training venue. The following are suggestions received for improvement and/or further training to complement this current training program.

• Quite a few requests were received to extend the number of days to allow for more hands-on practice.
• A repeat of similar training on Koha ILS
• More practice with Excel spreadsheets
• More details and practice on importing Excel accession register to Koha ILS
• Cataloguing rules, more cataloguing practice
• Pre-provision of library rules/regulations instead of spending time on coming up with these policies during the training
• Pre-provision of ISBN etc for data entry practice (instead of google searches)
• Standardised rules and regulations to be introduced in libraries
• Advocate Island and Atoll Councils on the need to implement koha in their libraries within their administration
• Conduct training in other atolls
• Serials, acquisitions, and other modules of Koha

Training Instructors

1. Fathimath Nashfa (Koha ILS)
2. Ahmed Shareef [Jermany] (Koha ILS)
3. Athiyya Shakeel (Introduction to Cataloguing)

Organising Committee

1. Aminath Riyaz (Lead facilitator)
2. Aminath Shiuna (Liaison between National Library and MLA, venue and logistics coordination)
3. Fathimath Nashath (Training technical consultant)
4. Hasma Shareef (Event organising support)
5. Hawwa Nabaha Amir (Event organiser & finance controller)

The training organisers take this opportunity to thank all participants and instructors for their enthusiasm for the use of Koha in libraries in the Maldives. The subsidised rate offered by the Villa College for Computer Lab hire is also appreciated. The support from the National Library always has been outstanding in Koha initiatives by the Maldives Library Association, and we take this opportunity to thank the NLM management for the continued support.

We look forward to seeing more libraries modernising their services and joining the digital movement.

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Related:
MLA Koha training 2013
MLA Koha training 2012
MLA Koha trainign 2011