Overview

Modern libraries—whether academic, public, or school-based—depend on secure, reliable, and easy-to-access digital services. When deploying Koha using our Amazon Machine Image (AMI), two important features work together to improve professionalism, security, and long-term sustainability:

• Name-based virtual hosting — allows your OPAC and staff interface to run on your own domain names.
• SSL/TLS certificates (HTTPS) — ensure secure, encrypted communication between your library users, staff, and the Koha server.

This article explains what these terms mean, why they matter, and how they benefit your institution.

What Is Name-Based Virtual Hosting?

Name-based virtual hosting is a method that allows a single server to host multiple websites or services, each accessible through its own domain name. In the context of Koha, this means your OPAC and staff interface can use professional, branded addresses such as:

• library.yourinstitution.edu
• staff.yourinstitution.edu

Why this matters for libraries

• Professional identity — Patrons trust library services more when they see recognizable domain names rather than random IP addresses or temporary URLs.
• Easy access — Short, memorable names reduce barriers to use.
• Separation of staff and public tools — Different subdomains make it clear which interface is for the public and which is for the library team.
• Future readiness — Your institution can add more services later without setting up additional servers (e.g., ebooks.yourdomain.edu or archives.yourdomain.edu).

What Is SSL/TLS and Why Is HTTPS Essential?

SSL/TLS (commonly referred to as “SSL”) is the technology that creates encrypted, secure connections between a user’s browser and your Koha server. When SSL is enabled, your website uses HTTPS instead of HTTP, preventing data from being intercepted or altered.

What this protects

• Patron accounts — login credentials, reading history, and personal information.
• Staff operations — cataloging tasks, circulation, patron data edits.
• Sensitive transactions — overdue notices, address updates, authentication data.

Why SSL matters for universities, schools, and public libraries

• Protects privacy — Libraries frequently handle personal patron information, making encryption essential.
• Prevents cyber threats — HTTPS helps protect against eavesdropping, tampering, and credential theft.
• Required by best-practice standards — Most academic and public institutions require HTTPS for any system that handles user data.
• Improves trust — Modern browsers warn patrons when sites are not secure; HTTPS avoids these warnings.
• Automatic certificate renewal — Our Koha AMI uses Let’s Encrypt to renew certificates automatically, reducing administrative burden.

How Both Features Work Together

Professional presentation + security

When name-based virtual hosting and SSL are combined, your Koha system becomes both easier to use and significantly more secure. For example:

• https://library.yourinstitution.edu — Public catalog with full encryption
• https://staff.yourinstitution.edu — Secure staff portal with protected authentication

This ensures that:

• Patrons see a trusted, branded URL
• Staff logins and catalog operations are protected
• Your library meets institutional IT and privacy requirements
• Data between users and the server cannot be read or modified in transit

How You Benefit

For IT departments

• Secure by default (HTTPS everywhere)
• No need for additional servers or IP addresses
• Easier long-term maintenance
• Compliant with IT security policies

For librarians and administrators

• Improved patron experience and trust
• Clear separation of public and staff systems
• Consistent identity across all online resources
• Reduced risk of data breaches and credential theft

For institutions

• Stronger branding and institutional visibility
• Better protection for user data (critical for universities and schools)
• Meets modern digital accessibility and security expectations
• Future-proof infrastructure aligned with industry standards

Conclusion

Name-based virtual hosting and SSL/TLS encryption are essential components of a modern Koha deployment. They strengthen security, deliver a more professional user experience, and ensure compliance with privacy requirements in academic, school, and public libraries.

With our Koha AMI on AWS Marketplace, both features are built-in and easy to configure—giving your institution a secure, trusted, and future-ready library management system.