Dear Koha users, I would like to hear from users of Koha in the Pacific Islands. Many small Pacific countries struggle with extra issues when automating their libraries, such as unexpected power outages (and damaging power surges), intermittent and slow Internet access, old technology and limited IT expertise. For many Pacific libraries, Koha is their first automated system, and staff training is a real issue. Quite a few Pacific Koha projects have stalled as a result of these problems. We need to develop a supportive local community that shares knowledge and offers support. I hope to set up a smaller discussion forum for the Pacific Koha community (while still being involved in the wider Koha community discussions). The forum will talk about day to day use of Koha, answer basic questions about using the system and share resources such as training materials. I would also like to discuss regional training possibilities. Please email me at: pamela.bidwell@usp.ac.fj<mailto:pamela.bidwell@usp.ac.fj> if you would like to be involved. I hope to hear from you soon. Regards Pam Bidwell, Lecturer Library/Information Studies School of Education The University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus, Suva, FIJI Tel. (679) 323 2829 Fax: (679) 323 1528 Email: pamela.bidwell@usp.ac.fj<mailto:pamela.bidwell@usp.ac.fj> L/IS program website: www.usp.ac.fj/library_studies<http://www.usp.ac.fj/library_studies> PacLibEd discussion forum: http://staff.usp.ac.fj/mailman/listinfo/paclibed