These are implementation guides, not product reviews. Each tutorial covers one specific technology, how to implement it, what problems you'll encounter, and what it actually costs. They assume you've already decided which system to use. If you haven't, start with the Library Tech Stack Guide.
Koha ILS Setup for Small Libraries
Complete guide from prerequisites through the first 90 days. Learn the realistic timeline (4-6 weeks), real costs (starting from $20K), and what actually breaks during implementation.
Covers: System requirements, installation (bare metal + Docker), initial configuration, MARC & patron migration, testing, go-live day timeline, post-launch support, ongoing maintenance, cost breakdown, and 7 common mistakes to avoid.
Perfect for: IT directors and systems librarians planning a Koha implementation. Realistic expectations about what's needed (IT staff time, data cleanup, staff training).
Deploy a fast, customizable discovery system without vendor lock-in. Covers the cost comparison to Primo, architecture, integration with your ILS, and step-by-step launch planning.
Covers: Cost comparison (VuFind 5-year total: $75K vs. Primo: $250K), system architecture, installation options, ILS integration via Z39.50, Solr indexing, interface customization, holdings integration, performance tuning, testing strategy, launch planning, and maintenance.
Perfect for: Libraries currently paying $25K-75K/year for Primo or other proprietary discovery systems. Shows ROI within 2-3 years and gives you complete data control.
Guide to implementing Evergreen for library consortia. Covers governance decisions, 6-month timeline, multi-library data migration, and real costs for 10-50 member libraries.
Covers: Evergreen vs. Koha for consortia, system architecture, 6-month implementation timeline, pre-implementation decisions (library codes, circulation rules, governance), installation & configuration, data migration from multiple systems, staff client training, support escalation model, managing change across libraries, and cost breakdown ($43K-51K per library over 5 years vs. $215K for proprietary systems).
Perfect for: Consortia directors and IT managers planning to implement a shared ILS. Realistic governance challenges and 50-75% cost savings vs. proprietary consortium systems.
How to Use These Tutorials
1. Decide what you need: Use the Library Tech Stack Guide to choose between Koha, VuFind, Evergreen, or proprietary systems.
2. Read the relevant tutorial: Each one is comprehensive. Don't skip sections - they're organized to build understanding progressively.
3. Adapt to your situation: These guides are based on typical library sizes and scenarios. Your library might be different (larger collection, smaller staff, different network). Use them as frameworks, adjust where needed.
4. Talk to peers: Each tutorial links to community resources and existing implementations. Reach out. The library open-source community is friendly and helpful.
5. Get help if you need it: If you're uncomfortable with the technical details, that's normal. Consultants can handle implementation. This guide helps you manage the consultant and understand what they're doing.
What These Tutorials Won't Teach You
- Library science basics: Assumes you understand what an ILS is, what cataloging means, what circulation rules are
- Linux administration in depth: Shows basic commands but doesn't teach advanced sysadmin. If you're installing yourself, you'll need Linux knowledge or a consultant.
- SQL or database design: Assumes you'll let the installation scripts handle database setup
- MARC cataloging: Assumes you understand MARC records. If not, take a library cataloging course first.
Resources Linked in Each Tutorial
Each tutorial links to:
- Official documentation: Latest guides from Koha, VuFind, and Evergreen projects
- Community support: Forums, mailing lists, IRC where you can ask questions
- Commercial support providers: If you want to pay for help instead of going DIY
- Peer libraries: Existing implementations you can learn from
FAQs
Which tutorial should I read first?
If you're building a single library: Read Koha ILS Setup. It covers the basics and is foundational.
If you're adding discovery to an existing ILS: Read VuFind Discovery.
If you're building a multi-library consortium from scratch: Read all three, but focus on Evergreen.
Can I use these guides without hiring a consultant?
It depends on your IT staff. If you have someone comfortable with Linux, databases, and network administration, yes. These guides assume that level of knowledge. If you don't have that person, hire a consultant for at least the implementation phase (they can train your staff afterward).
How much will this actually cost my library?
Each tutorial has a "Cost Breakdown" section with real numbers. Use those estimates as a starting point, then adjust for your situation (larger collection, more libraries, more customization = higher cost).
What if I want to stay with my current system?
Good question. Open-source systems aren't for everyone. If your current system is working and you have budget for licensing, that's a valid choice. Use the Library Tech Stack Guide to weigh pros and cons.
Give Us Your Feedback
These tutorials are living documents. If you've implemented Koha, VuFind, or Evergreen and found something here that's wrong, outdated, or unclear, let me know. I'll update them with real experience from the field.
Questions about your specific situation? Consider consulting services. I can review your implementation plan, cost estimates, and timeline.