The New Nation - Internet Edition

KOHA, the first and most advanced Open Source Integrated Library System (ILS) in the world, was launched at BRAC University Ayesha Abed Library recently.

Professor Nazrul Islam, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, formally inaugurated the newly established ILS (htp://library.bracu.ac.bd) through a function as chief guest Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of BRACU and Professor Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Pro VC, among others, addressed the function.

While inaugurating KOHA, Professor Nazrul Islam praised the initiatives taken by the BRAC University to establish an Integrated Library System (ILS) and trained up library professionals in order to build capacities for other universities. He mentioned that BRAC University has gained the capacity for conducting training for library professionals which is certainly appreciable.

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury ranked KOHA as a sophisticated 21st century modern ILS because of its excellent features and characteristics. He expressed his opinion that UGC may consider KOHA for any future project of university libraries.

Professor Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, while delivering the welcome address, mentioned that the main purpose of the project was to implement a complete library automation system and develop BRAC University as local resource, and in turn helps to build capacity in other libraries who may want to move to automation using KOHA

BRAC University Ayesha Abed Library has successfully completed the project "Creating an Integrated Library System (ILS) using Open Source Software KOHA" with funds from Elsevier Foundation, UK. BRAC University was one of the four universities selected by Elsevier from among 165 applicants from different countries to receive funding for this project Library professionals from different universities and institutes participated in the ceremony. Deputy Librarian Ms Hasina Afroz made a presentation on "Implementation of an open source library management system KOHA: BRAC University experience" in the function. The inauguration ceremony was concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Librarian.