09 May 2014. As part of a plan to deliver an improved experience for staff and students using the library and information service, Belfast Metropolitan College has chosen the Koha open source library management system to replace its existing Horizon system. Interleaf Technology has been contracted to implement the Koha system and to provide on-going support services, with PTFS-Europe providing additional technical and hosting services.
Koha Library Management System
With the Koha LMS, library staff access to the system is completely web-based: Searching, circulation, cataloguing, serials, reporting and acquisitions are all performed using a web browser. Single Sign-on using Shibboleth, automated borrower loads and the introduction of EDI are part of the development programme.
The online catalogue offers an excellent search capability and a full range of personalisation services. Koha's depth of functionality continues to evolve and expand to meet the changing needs of its user base.
Belfast Metropolitan College
Liz Glenn, Learning Resources Manager at Belfast Metropolitan College said: "In the few weeks since Koha went live, we have already experienced the difference this move will make for current and future library users. From a librarian's perspective, Koha is creating an immediate impact on how we manage our stock by simplifying acquisitions, reporting and organisation. From the user perspective, Koha is enabling us to present our learning materials to our learners via a modern user friendly interface.
The seamless transition was made possible due to the high quality support and training provided by Interleaf during migration and beyond. We've worked well with the Interleaf team over the past two decades and enjoy a great working relationship."
Charles Quain, Director at Interleaf Technology added: "Having installed their original Dynix system in 1992, we are delighted to continue our 20-plus year relationship with Belfast Met. In the few weeks since they have gone live, they are already seeing their data in new ways. Open Source Technologies and hosted solutions allow institutions access to systems that are easier to support and less effort for local IT departments."
Nick Dimant, Managing Director of PTFS Europe commented: "We are pleased that Belfast Metropolitan College has chosen the Koha system. Our teams worked well together to deliver a quality and timely migration. The Further Education sector is increasingly embracing Open Source systems as a way of gaining the best of modern technologies, whilst at the same time achieving value for money in an open, flexible environment."
About Belfast Metropolitan College
Belfast Metropolitan College is the largest Further and Higher Education College in Northern Ireland and is one of only thirty colleges in the UK to join the influential 157 Group. Founded in 1906 and with some 37,000 student enrolments, Belfast Met works at a strategic level in providing education, training and skills to enhance individual, community and economic success.
About Interleaf Technology
Interleaf Technology Ltd. is the leading providers of technology solutions to the library market in Ireland. We have experience in Library Management Systems and related technologies spanning over 25 years. Our dedicated support team is committed to providing top class support to all our customers. As well as providing Open Source solutions such as Koha, Evergreen and VuFind, we are agents for 3M security systems, Envisionware PC Reservation and Print Management solutions, OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks and BDS MARC records supply.
About PTFS-Europe
With over 65 customers in 12 countries, PTFS Europe provides a wide range of products and services in support of libraries. These include the open source library systems Koha and Evergreen, Rebus:list for resource management, VuFind as a discovery portal, CUFTS for electronic resource management, WordPress for Libraries and the ArchivalWare range of products from PTFS Inc. An ISO27001 company, PTFS Europe provides the full range of services needed to implement, host and support these products.
For more information contact Charles Quain at Interleaf Technology (opensource@interleaf.ie)
