Wichita State University Libraries recently upgraded its DSpace based institutional repository, Shocker Open Access Repository (SOAR), to the new version 1.6.2 with an XML-based interface “Manakin”. Manakin gives the possibility of creating different interfaces called “themes”. Themes provide branding for various communities and new visual effects for images and other collections. This article will address the customization of Manakin and the implementation of new features from an institution’s experience. It will cover the process to prepare and create the local theme, test the interfaces for communities and collections and in different browsers. The experiences and techniques shared can be applied by other institutions that are interested in implementing Manakin. This article will also give some reflections on working with a team for an open-source system from the perspective of a Metadata Catalog Librarian in a medium sized library.