Koha Library Management System

Koha is a first open source Integrated Library System (ILS), used world-wide and was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications. It is a library standard compliant like MARC21/UNIMARC, Unicode, Z39.50, ILL, etc. The first installation went live in January 2000.

Koha allows total customization and complete control of library data at a fraction of the cost of a proprietary system and is serving the needs of a diverse range of libraries from academic to the public and from legal and research to corporate and specialist libraries. Thousands of Koha users are already benefiting from a vibrant and enthusiastic open source community and an ILS that will never leave them out of date. It has been partially translated into 62 languages.

Koha’s main strength is its web accessibility and ease of use. Libraries do not have to install the software on staff and user terminals. Koha supports all library house keeping activities such as Acquisition, Cataloging, Circulation, Serial Control, Patron Management, and OPAC. It also supports Web 2.0 tools. Thus, Koha can be readily configured to the needs of each library and is updated with new features frequently.

The Spoken Tutorial effort for Koha Library Management System series has been contributed by Dr. Bella Tony, and Ms. Nancy Varkey from the Spoken Tutorial Project, IIT Bombay. The content inputs were given by Dr. Manju Naika Central Library, IIT-Bombay and domain reviews were done by Ms. Samruddhi Hawaldar, Central Library, IIT-Bombay. Novice check for the tutorials was done by Ms. Garima Sharma, BLISc student. The entire series of Koha has been edited by Arvind Pillai, Spoken Tutorial Project, IIT Bombay.

Learners: Library Science students and Library Staff who wish to create a Koha library for their institute.

Basic Level

1. Koha Library Management System on Ubuntu Linux OS 16.04

• Adding package repository
• Install koha-common
• Configuring port for Koha
• Installing Maria DB
• Enable Koha Modules
• Creating Koha Instance
• Set password for Koha user
• Accessing Koha web installer
• Install basic configuration settings
• Enabling the Optional modules for Marc21
• Accessing Koha interface

2. How to create a Library

• How to enable AutoLocation
• Information about Branch library
• How to identify mandatory fields
• Importance of the Library Code
• Importance of an email id for the created Library
• Explanation about the 3 email-ids
• Importance of a URL for a particular branch Library
• Fill in the OPAC info

• How to create a group library

3. How to create a Superlibrarian

• Add a Patron category
  • Patron categories- Spoken Tutorial Library

• Create Patron
  • Patron identity
  • Main address
  • Contact etc.
  • Library management
  • Library
  • Category
  • OPAC/Staff login
  • Permissions to the Patrons

• Set Library

4. Add an Item type

• What are Item types?
  • Material in the library, such as-
    • Books,
    • Journals,
    • CDs/DVDs, etc.

• Add a new item type- Reference
  • Choose an icon:
  • Hide in OPAC:
  • Not for loan
  • Rental charge
  • Checkin message
  • Checkin message type
  • SIP media type

5. Create MARC framework

• MARC bibliographic framework
• Framework code
• Description
• MARC structure
• Delete a tag
• Repeatable
• Mandatory

• Enable Authority file
  • Global system preferences
  • Acquisitions preferences

6.Set Currency

• Acquisition parameters
  • Currencies and exchange rates
  • New currency
  • Currency
  • Rate
  • Symbol
  • ISO code
  • Column visibility
  • Active currency

7. Add Budget and Allocate Funds

• New budget for a Fiscal year
  • Start date: 01/4/2016
  • End date: 31/03/2017
  • Description for our Budget- Spoken Tutorial Library 2016-2017 Phase I.
  • Amount as per the Budget- Rs. 5,00,000/-

• Make a budget active
• Lock budget
• Duplicate a budget

• How to allocate funds for a Fiscal year

Contributors and Content Editors

Bellatony911, PoojaMoolya