For any library administrator, the decision to upgrade software involves weighing the excitement of new features against the potential for system downtime or user confusion. Koha simplifies this dilemma through its Long-Term Support (LTS) versioning model. While Koha follows a rapid release cycle—launching a major feature update every six months in May and November—the community designates the November release of every even-numbered year as the official LTS version. This formal structure was solidified around version 22.11, creating a predictable roadmap for libraries that require a “set it and forget it” level of stability.
The core advantage of an LTS release, such as the current 24.11, is the extended maintenance window. While a standard feature release (like 25.05) is only supported for about 18 months, an LTS version is backed by the community for approximately 3.5 years. This means that even as newer versions with flashy features are released, the LTS version continues to receive critical security patches and high-priority bug fixes. For libraries with limited technical staff or those running complex, mission-critical operations, this extended window provides a “safe harbor” from the bugs that can occasionally accompany “bleeding-edge” software updates.
Choosing the LTS path also transforms the upgrade experience from a frequent chore into a manageable, biennial strategy. Instead of performing major upgrades every six months—which requires repeated staff retraining and testing—libraries can jump directly from one LTS to the next (e.g., from 24.11 to the upcoming 26.11). This “LTS-to-LTS” leap ensures that your system remains modern enough to be secure and compatible with web standards, while significantly reducing the administrative overhead and risk associated with “living on the edge.” By prioritizing a tested foundation over rapid feature adoption, the LTS model allows librarians to focus their energy on community service rather than software troubleshooting.
Reference: Koha on Debian and Ubuntu – Koha Wiki