By Myka Kennedy Stephens, Jessica Zairo October 5, 2025
Myka Kennedy Stephens and Jessica Zairo in conversation.
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In episode 8 of the Fosgail Mindset podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Zairo, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at ByWater Solutions, for an extended conversation exploring the profound impact of sharing and open source philosophies on the library ecosystem. Our discussion delved into the cooperative ethos of open source technology and how it can meaningfully transform communities, bringing about a deeper sense of collaboration and mutual growth.
The Spirit of Sharing and Coopetition
Early in our discussion, the concept of ‘coopetition’ emerged, a principle that combines cooperation with competition. In our conversation, Jessica highlighted how coopetition manifests in the library world and why it’s crucial for driving communities toward better outcomes. By prioritizing collective success over individual achievement, libraries can foster environments where sharing resources and knowledge leads to innovative solutions and enriched communities.
Jessica’s Passion for Libraries and Open Source
Jessica’s journey into the world of libraries and open source technology began with her passion for helping people. As she recalled, libraries are more than just book repositories; they’re vibrant community hubs that facilitate learning and collaboration. This same collaborative community value of libraries is reflected in the open source community and the ability to share code and ideas freely. When these two passions combine, it’s about building libraries that not only store information but also act as conduits for sharing and innovation.
Koha: A Gift of Reciprocal Giving
Our discussion naturally led to Koha, an integrated library system rooted in the principles of reciprocity and sharing. Derived from the Māori word for ‘gift,’ Koha embodies a philosophy of mutual contribution and support within the library community. Jessica shared numerous examples of how Koha users are encouraged to participate and contribute back to the community, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, collaborative environments. One hallmark of this is Bugzilla, a resource where users can suggest improvements and track changes, ensuring everyone’s voice can be heard.
Real-World Coopetition in Koha Development
Jessica illustrated the practical application of coopetition through the creation of an Electronic Resource Management (ERM) module for Koha, a collaboration involving multiple vendors. This joint effort not only improved functionality but also illustrated how collective work can yield benefits for the entire user community. By working together, users ensure that enhancements benefit everyone, regardless of which support company provides their primary service.
The Power of Open Source Education
Jessica’s gift back to the Koha community includes the “Monday Minutes” video series, offering bite-sized educational content aimed at enhancing Koha literacy. These videos are a testament to the power of sharing knowledge beyond one’s immediate circle, advancing progress toward accessible learning for Koha users. The series exemplifies how open sharing of resources can support not just partner libraries but the entire open source ecosystem.
Navigating Transitions: From Proprietary to Open Source
Migrating to open source systems like Koha involves significant shifts, both technical and cultural. Jessica and I discussed the importance of proactively engaging library staff throughout this transition. Encouraging community involvement ensures a smoother adoption and underscores the participatory nature of open source projects.
Looking Forward: The Future of Resource Sharing
As libraries face funding cuts, the potential for collaborative solutions like the Koha-to-Koha Interlibrary Loan (ILL) plugin becomes more vital. Jessica expressed excitement about the testing underway, demonstrating how libraries can unite to share resources independently. Such innovations are poised to revolutionize library collaboration, offering new ways to ensure all libraries, regardless of size, can thrive.
Join the Movement
The Koha community offers numerous ways for libraries and individuals to engage, from attending meetings to contributing through forums and user groups like Koha-US. These connections not only foster innovation but also strengthen the bonds within this dynamic community.
Six Key Lessons on the Power of Reciprocal Sharing
My conversation with Jessica Zairo was an enlightening exploration of how principles of sharing and cooperation can build sustainable, thriving communities. Here are six key lessons with some prompts and tips to consider how they might apply in your context.
1. The Power of Reciprocal Giving Extends Beyond Individual Transactions
- Consider how your giving strategies create ongoing relationships rather than one-time transactions.
- Look for opportunities where your contributions can generate compound returns through community reciprocation.
- When developing internal processes or resources, ask yourself: “How can we design this so others can build upon it and contribute back?”
Where could you shift from transaction to reciprocal relationships?
2. Collaborative Competition, or Coopetition, Can Drive Innovation While Maintaining Community Values
- Identify areas where collaboration with competitors could strengthen the entire market or the broader community.
- Create opportunities for knowledge sharing that don’t compromise competitive advantages.
- Build relationships based on mutual respect and shared values, even with direct competitors.
What opportunities exist for collaborating with competitors or peers for mutual benefit?
3. Inclusive Participation Strengthens the Entire Ecosystem
- Lower the barriers to development and contribution in order to promote wider community involvement.
- Create multiple ways for people to contribute based on their skills and availability.
- Ensure decision-making processes include voices from different backgrounds and experience levels.
Who’s currently excluded from your community or decision-making processes, and how might you include them?
4. Knowledge Sharing Through Accessible Documentation Benefits Users Worldwide
- Small, consistent efforts compound over time.
- Create sustainable systems for sharing expertise; don’t rely on heroic individual efforts.
- Build feedback loops so knowledge sharing improves over time.
What expertise do you have that could benefit others if shared more systematically?
5. Successful Transitions Require Involving All Stakeholders
- Buy-in comes from understanding, not just mandates.
- Include stakeholders in understanding not just what is changing, but also why the change is happening and how they can participate and contribute.
- Celebrate small wins and community connections throughout the process.
How do you involve all stakeholders when implementing changes?
6. Trust Building Through Transparency Is Essential for Long-Term Success
- Make decision-making processes visible and inclusive.
- Address concerns directly rather than avoiding difficult conversations.
- Share both successes and struggles openly with your community.
Where could increased transparency strengthen relationships and community trust?
Invitation to Further Conversation
If you are curious to learn more about Koha, visit the Koha Community website. You can see more of Jessie in her Monday Minutes series on YouTube.
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