The Heythrop Library, one of the most important theology and philosophy libraries in the UK, has moved to a new open source library management system, Koha — a transition that promises to enhance access and service for its wide community of users.

The Library has chosen to work with Open Fifth (formerly PTFS Europe), a UK-based provider of open source library systems, to implement and support the Koha platform. The change marks a significant step in modernising how the Heythrop Library manages its rich and historic collection.

Originally founded by the Jesuits in 1614 to train priests for ministry in England, the Heythrop Library has grown into a unique resource for Catholic theology, philosophy, and spirituality. Today, the collection serves a broad community: not only those in Jesuit formation or involved in ministry, but also academics, students, and independent researchers. Over 200,000 volumes — many rare or unique in the UK — are preserved across multiple sites, including the London Jesuit Centre and Campion Hall, Oxford.

What this means for users

Koha is one of the world’s most widely used open-source library systems, with over 15,000 implementations globally. Web-based and intuitive, the new system brings a number of practical improvements designed with users in mind:

Clearer catalogue and communication: The Library can now fully customise how its catalogue looks and how messages are presented to users, making everything easier to navigate and understand.

Searchable Reading Room access: Users can filter results to view the 8,000+ books available on open shelves, a much-requested feature.

New arrivals: New books will be displayed on the main catalogue page as soon as they are catalogued, and journal subscribers receive email alerts when new issues are added.

Clemens Gresser, Heythrop Librarian, said:

“When we realised that we needed a new library management system, we weren’t looking for Koha, but how to implement Koha. Open Fifth, formerly PTFS Europe, has for years supported enlightened libraries that believe in the spirit of open source software and the power of a collaborative community.

"Koha gives our users a clearer catalogue and messages, makes it easier to see which of our 200,000 items are available in the reading room, and highlights new arrivals automatically on the main page, with journal alerts sent straight to subscribers’ inboxes.

"This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without Open Fifth. We’re deeply grateful to their skilled staff who guided us through migration and implementation over the last few months, and proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

The upgrade supports the Jesuits in Britain’s commitment to rigorous scholarship and intellectual formation, part of the Society of Jesus’s mission to serve faith through reason and learning. By making the Heythrop collection more accessible and easier to navigate, the library can continue to inspire and equip future generations.

You can explore the new Heythrop Library catalogue here.