I attended the Koha-US annual conference in Providence, RI. The conference focused on practical applications and improvements that can be made in the Integrated Library System (ILS) which PCLS administers for the public libraries in our system. I was particularly interested in ways we can streamline our cataloging process, protect patron data, and improve the user experience for staff. The advantage of attending in person is that I was able to take part in work sessions with developers and metadata specialists to answer our specific questions. I have returned with actionable items that can make immediate improvements, and ideas on how we can work toward better service in the future. Another advantage of attending in person was the opportunity to meet and talk with others with similar setups. Many library consortiums throughout the country have Koha as their ILS, and they have developed work flows that support independent libraries within a larger system. I also learned a great deal from those that work in direct public service roles about how they use Koha to improve their workflows and the experience of their patrons. One goal I have following this conference is to take part in more online Koha Community meetings and report back to our library members.
