Koha and Me
I acquainted with Koha in 2018 during my MLISc final semester at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Calicut.
My teacher, Dr. T.M. Vasudevan, Professor, is one of the best people I have ever met in my academic life, a person with simplicity. He always supported me, provided me enough freedom of my own in the academic sphere. In fact, without him, I may not even have completed my MLISc degree. As always, he is there for me every time.
Dr. Mohamed Haneefa K, Associate Professor & Head Dept. is a dynamic personality, was the first person who identified my interest in ICT application in Library & Information Science. He encouraged me to explore Koha ILS. During the final semester itself, I installed Koha by myself.
Mr. Prasanth M, Librarian, Dept. of Library and Information Science. a dynamic professional, who has also played a vital role in my professional life connecting me to Mr. Harris Kundukulathil. an expert with openness, who assisted me in clearing my doubts (even my little doubts with patience).
I met another expert Dr. Vimal Kumar. Reference Assistant, M.G. University Library, during Library Technology Conclave (LTC-2019), held at CUSAT. as I was eagerly waiting for meeting him. I learned every module on Koha by looking at his blog Koha Geek. Still, he assists and instructs me.
Finally, I met Mr. Tomson A. J, The Librarian, Devagiri College, Kozhikode. He is the first person who started implementing, exploring Koha in 2000 itself. He is an active resource person of Koha in Kerala state. He has completed more than 100 Koha training programs as a resource person. As he is also a person with openness always ready to help with our doubts.
I had to learn Linux for the installation of FOSS. I had to struggle with Linux in the initial stages of learning. I browsed many tutorials on Linux, Koha. I am still being a beginner…
DSpace and Me
In the year 2019 February 6, I was invited for a presentation on Open Source Institutional Repository software DSpace in Library Technology Workshop organized by the Department of Library & Information Science, Calicut University. That was my first open forum to speak about Open Source IR software. I am deeply indebted to Dr. Mohamed Haneefa K. for granting me the chance.