Atlanta, Ga., June 2, 2022: Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, is honored to announce the addition of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)’s Lending Library to Koha ILS, an open source integrated library system used by libraries worldwide. OCALI is part of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio.

“OCALI’s library is unique. We specialize in assistive technology devices and kits, braille and large print resources, FM systems, and content and instructional materials to support learners with autism and other complex disabilities. It is essential that our library is accessible to those who use screen readers and other technology that allows access,” said Sheila M. Smith, Senior Director of Research, Quality Assurance and Impact at OCALI. “We had been using a FileMaker system as a band-aid, so the Koha system has really allowed us to function as a library again. We appreciated the partnership with the team at Equinox as they took time to learn our unique items and problem solve with us through our specific complexities. The solution focused attitude of the team has been wonderful.”

The OCALI Lending Library is available to anyone over the age of 18 in the state of Ohio and allows patrons to check out assessment materials and includes AT device loans in addition to other curated resources and materials. Their migration includes 3,641 bibliographic records and supports 876 patrons across the state of Ohio. Equinox provided Koha support, hosting, implementation and data services including data extraction. Remote training was provided by Equinox’s expert staff of degreed librarians.

“Equinox is committed to increasing accessibility and inclusivity in library technology and it was a huge honor to play a part in supporting OCALI’s Lending Library,” said Erica Rohlfs, Senior Implementation Project Manager at Equinox. “OCALI provides a unique and valuable resource to patrons across the state of Ohio and Koha ILS, designed with special libraries in mind and with accessible web design, is a perfect fit. We are excited to welcome them to the open source library community.”

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For more information:
Laura Barry
Communications Coordinator
Equinox Open Library Initiative, Inc.
EquinoxOLI.org
laura.barry@equinoxOLI.org
877.OPEN.ILS (877.673.6457)
 

About Equinox Open Library Initiative
Equinox Open Library Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is the successor to Equinox Software, Inc. Equinox’s mission as a nonprofit is to promote and support a thriving ecosystem for open source library communities in order to provide libraries worldwide with innovative, affordable, and sustainable open source solutions. We are devoted to reducing barriers to library technology and services, expanding library access to open source software, and providing high quality technology, consulting, and support services.To learn more, please visit https://www.equinoxOLI.org.

About Koha ILS
Created in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand, Koha Integrated Library System is the first open source Integrated Library System to be used worldwide. The software is a full-featured ILS with a dual-database design (search engine and RDBMS) built to be compliant with library standards. Koha’s OPAC, staff, and self-checkout interfaces are all web applications. Distributed under the General Public License (GPL), libraries are free to use and install Koha themselves or to purchase support and development services.  For more information on Koha, please visit https://www.equinoxoli.org/products/koha/.