On Tue, 18 Jun 2002, Rosalie Blake wrote:
Hello Alistair, It really is free software. We had it written for our libraries, and released it under a GPL licence. It is now supported, and being further developed by an international team of experts, who are all volunteering their time.
Some of the support is coming from companies (like Katipo) who are also happy to talk to people about taking on a contractual support arrangment. (Note, I can not speak for Katipo, they may currently have all the support contracts that they can handle and be unwilling to enter into any further contracts ... or they may be waiting for the next library to sign up -- you'll need to ask them yourself). If you feel that you can do the support yourself, there is a large community of libraries and developers who are happy to answer questions, lend advice, and listen sympathetically.
You do not owe Horowhenua Library Trust anything to use Koha, but we would be really interested in hearing how you get on.
There are two mailing lists about Koha. The general list koha@lists.katipo.co.nz and I would strongly recommend you join it. The second list is for developers, and sometimes gets quite technical. koha-devel@lists.sourceforge.net
I'd also recommend that you get involved in the mailing list (koha@lists.katipo.co.nz), you'll find that there are a number of libraries represented and interested in sharing their experiences. There are also a number of developers that who are happy to answer questions and lend a hand where needed. The mailing list is also archived, and reading the archives may turn up answers to the very questions you'd like to ask. Please take a look at <www.koha.org> and get a feel for the project. We hope that it will fit your needs. In the event it doesn't (yet), please contact us anyway. We're still developing new features and tools. It may be that things you need are just over the horizon. On the other hand, you may have an idea that will revolutionize Koha. In either case, we'd like to hear what you have to say.
A new release (version 1.2.0) of Koha was released last weekend, and a fix for a few bugs that crept into that release will be available in the next two or three days. This new release offers a lot more help in setting up koha, and hetting it running for your library. Have a try and see how you get on. If you find problems, send a message to the koha@lists.katipo.co.nz ; there is very likely someone there who can help.
-pate Kaitiaki The Koha Project
Good Luck with it Rosalie Blake Horowhenua Library trust
On 17 Jun 2002, at 17:55, Alistair McKitterick wrote:
Dear Rosalie
I am the librarian at a Christian Bible College and we are in the process of introducing IT and recording all our books on a database. What is this software you are offering and what commitments would we have to you? Is it simply free software that we would trial for you, or is there a cost involved as well?
Very interested, yours sincerely Alistair McKitterick -- Christ For the Nations UK Dodsley Lane, Easebourne, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AD Hm: +44 1730 812416 Wk: +44 1730 817775 Mob:+44 7970 800102
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