“Releasing Koha under an open source licence made so much sense to us; we were a public library not a software development company and we needed a much wider pool of librarians to develop the software further”.
Today, Koha is one of the world’s most widely used library management systems with a strong development community that provides 24/7 support. Koha is used in an increasing number of libraries in Australia and some of these libraries are listed here or can be found on this map. 

In addition to her work on Koha, which won the 2000 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries, Joann was the first librarian outside of USA to be named an American Library Journal Mover and Shaker – Tech Leader, largely for her work developing Kete, another open source project that won the 2008 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries and a 2007 World Summit Awards : Special Mention (North America and Oceania) in the e-inclusion section.

Thanks to her vision and passion, Joann also brought into being and then managed Te Takere. Horowhenua’s new library, culture and community centre.
The project was developed by the Horowhenua District Council and the Horowhenua Library Trust in consultation with the Muaupoko Tribal Authority.
This is what locals say "We are so incredibly lucky to have Te Takere in our community, locals, travellers, tourists....don't miss it." "Te Takere is a safe, supervised and all-inclusive family/whanau destination. It is “the place to go” in the Horowhenua providing quality activities and opportunities to positively engage and extend everyone."

Here is a short list of Services & Facilities available in Te Takere, an absolute change agent for the local community:
Open seven days a week, it offers a wide range of services to both the community and to visitors to the Horowhenua District, including:
Library materials and resources
Visitor Information
AA Vehicle licensing and driver testing
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Lounges to relax in and spaces for study
Fully equipped meeting and function facilities
Exhibitions, performances and a range of programmes to suit all ages
Family and local history displays and resources
A well resourced children’s area
Business, Council and Community support services.
A large youth space and a recording studio
Self contained and fully equipped education spaces
A Chinese garden and outdoor play area.
Library and information services are also available at the Foxton, Tokomaru and Shannon Libraries.

Since the opening of Te Takere in 2012, the town of Levin has seen a 50% reduction in the rate of petty crime and un-employment has significantly reduced.  

This is your opportunity to hear from Joann how a mix of library and community services can have strategic impact in a community.
Joann's world tour starts in Sydney. You are invited to meet with Joann on Monday August 22, 2016. Suggest a time and location.

For further information and RSVPs please contact Irma Birchall founder of CALYX information essentials, a Koha support company since 2003.