THE Tain, Port Mourant, Berbice Campus of University of Guyana (UG) created history, recently, by being the first Caribbean based institution to implement the world’s leading open source library software (KOHA), where resources can be accessed online, outside the physical walls both at the Tain and Turkeyen libraries. At the inaugural ceremony, two weeks ago, Librarian and Coordinator, Ms. Gwynette George said, while Tain and Turkeyen are partnering in the project, the former is being used as a pilot, given the relatively smaller size of its collection, which made it more manageable to automate.
She said automation of the Turkeyen Library commenced in the late 1990s with the use of the IME navigator, a commercial software, but that project faltered due to the lack of technical skills to maintain the system.
Following the establishment of the Berbice Campus in 2000, George recalled the WINISS software being used in the first attempt to automate the library. But, seven years later, Turkeyen moved towards exploring the use of open source and, after exhausting all possibilities of acquiring a commercial software, KOHA, a New Zealand Maori word for gift, was found to be ideally suitable, as it is a full featured integrated library system in use worldwide by libraries of all sizes.
In addition, the Turkeyen based librarian said the programme has a dual database design and is scalable enough to meet the transaction load of any library.
Describing the various features, she said it is library standards compliant, as it uses such as the MARC record format that ensures compatibility with other systems, is web based, opening endless opportunities for putting not only the catalogues but other resources online.
George explained that, importantly, the programme is freely distributed under the ‘Open Source General Public Licence’, which has no vendor lock-in and libraries are free to install and customise it, once they have the in-house skills.

Expressed optimism
Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Software Services, Mr. Sekhar Mallampati, who led the technical team, expressed optimism that, with another information communication technology (ICT) application being produced, it will spark an interest and awareness amongst other libraries, such as the National Library, in teacher training colleges, schools and communities.
He volunteered free technical guidance to the ICT staff of the various institutions desirous of implementing the KOHA integrated library system (ILS).
Mallampati said KOHA provides a fully functional online public access catalogue which can be accessed at http://ugbclibrary.uog.edu.gy
The Department of Software Services had, previously, developed other ICT applications since 2003, the most important being the ‘Online Students Records Management System‘, which allows prospective students to use it for admission to UG programmes and dormitories.
The Indian national noted, as well, that current students can register or apply online for leave of absence, exemptions, change of registration, transfers and programme withdrawals, check grades and academic profile, etc. In addition, alumni can make online applications for various transcripts and replacement certificates.
Other attendees making brief remarks at the inauguration were Professor Daizal Samad, Director of the UG Berbice Campus, who commended the technical team whilst Ms. Nalisa Bhagwandin moved the Vote of Thanks and Ms. Simone La Rose chaired the one hour proceedings.
Representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Guyana Police Force (GPF) were also present.