An example of inter-university cooperation for implementing Koha in libraries

Purpose - This paper seeks to show how three university libraries (Rhône-Alpes, France) decided to switch their proprietary software for the Open-ILS Koha, with particular focus on how they organized themselves to pool their technical skills, human resources and costs.Design methodology approach - The chronological approach permits one to show how the three libraries first installed Koha, then tested the software, wrote common specifications and finally determined which developments could be carried out in-house and which required outsourcing to a software specialist.Findings - The paper provides information for acquiring knowledge and expertise in an Open-ILS, and to minimize costs by cooperating.Originality value - This paper suggests a new way to acquire an open-ILS that meets collective expectations while responding well to institutional needs.