23 KOHA – Open Source Integrated Library Software
Ramesh C Gaur and Parveen Babbar
I. Objectives
The learners would also learn the experiences of dealing with the process of automation of a traditional library i.e. Delhi Public Library.
II. Learning Outcomes
On completion of this lesson, learners would study the case on library automation in Delhi Public Library using Koha. The learners would also learn the experiences of dealing with the process of automation of a traditional library i.e. Delhi Public Library. They would also learn processes involved in public libraries while executing automation projects.
III. Module Structure
1. Introduction
2. History of Koha
3. Features of Koha
4. LibLime Koha
5. Koha- ByWater Solutions
6. Delhi Public Library
6.1 Koha @ DPL
7. Koha Architecture
8. Koha Requirement
9. Koha Modules
9.1 Koha Administration
9.2 Koha Members/ Patrons Module
9.3 Koha Circulation Module
9.4 Koha Cataloguing Module
9.5 Koha Serials Module
9.6 OPAC Module
9.7 Koha Acquisition Module
9.8 Koha Authorities
10. Koha Tools
11. Koha Lists
12. Koha Reports
13. Summary
14. References
1. Introduction
Koha is the first of its kind, an open-source integrated library software (ILS) used worldwide by all kinds of libraries from public, academics and special libraries. Its growth and development is guided by a nurturing community of libraries and users across the world, who collaborate together to achieve its technological objectives and goals. The name of the ILS become koha from a term called Mãori which means a “gift” or “donation”. The ILS is developed at a modern platform and is a web-based solution for the libraries. Koha uses SQL database (MySql preferred) as backend and its cataloguing data stored is in MARC and is accessible via Z39.50 protocol. Koha is integrated library software that has state of the art web based interface, enhanced content and substance, provides faceted navigation, provision for keyword searching, up- gradation and development through user contribution and provides Rich Site Summary (RSS) feeds that make it unique integrated library software in the world. At present Koha has four specific language websites including French, Chinese, Italian and Spanish.
2. History of Koha
Koha software was originally build up and developed in New Zealand by the company called as Katipo Communications Limited. The Integrated Library Software Solution was first deployed in the year January, 2000 for Horowhenua Library Trust. Since then, with the successful installation and implementation, the software solution has become popular and has been adopted by thousands of libraries worldwide in number, adding and contributing to the features and functions, thus deepening the capability, potential and competence of the software. The powerful Zebra indexing engine was introduced in 2005 with the release of Koha 3.0 version. Koha 3.0 has become a standard viable, scalable solution for all types of libraries. There are about 47 languages of the world that the software is accessible to and has been partially translated into 62 languages. The developers from the world over have always improved its features with the collaborating effort of the user community through a feedback mechanism. The latest release is koha version 3.22.08 which was released on June 2016.
3. Features of Koha
The software gets updated into new features and debugs from time to time. The situations are advised to visit Koha website for updates.
• Acquisitions: Koha has acquisitions module with complete functionality of recommendation, ordering, receiving, invoicing, budgeting, book funding, setting suppliers and exchange rates.
• Circulation: a complete featured and powerful circulation module with customised circulation rules to suit any kind of library; it fully automates the borrowing and item management.
• OPAC- Koha has all the elements and attributes of OPAC with a simple and clear interface, and in addition to it also supports content from sources of collections like Amazon, Google Books, etc.
• Flexible reporting: Koha provides access to the RDBMS, so reports can be easily customised and prepared as per the individual requirements.
• Customisable item types: The catalogue items can be opted as per the preference and requirements of the individual libraries.
• Barcode/ RFID : The ILS Koha is based on the web browser and it is fully compatible with all kinds of barcode, QR codes, RFIDs and other similar technologies.
• User management: The software provides incorporation with systems like LDAP, Active Directory, Radius and SAML to allow single sign-on facility for the user’s management.
• Metadata: Koha has a potential to generate a qualitative metadata, it uses a full text indexing engine to allow for speedy and authoritative searching of metadata.
• Standards: Koha uses all latest standards including MARC21, UNIMARC, Z39.50, SRU/SW, SIP2 and many more are supported.
• Automated overdue notices: Overdue notices are either provided by email or SMS.
• Consortia Mode: The ILS can work as multi-branch or single-branch mode in the consortia mode.
• Translations: Koha is translated into many languages and is available in nearly 62 languages
• Offline circulation: Koha also provides provision to do offline circulations
• Self Check: Koha also facilitates the use with SIP2 compliant self-check- in, check-out machines.
• Faceted searching: Koha provides the federated search results which are classified for its users.
4. LibLime Koha
LibLime Koha is the most leading reliable open source Integrated Library Management System and is used by hundreds of libraries world over and it is completely web based and requires no software to install on desktop computers or servers. Using cloud-hosting environment, there is no need of server management or IT resources in the Library, all upgradations, backups and system maintenance are managed by the LibLime’s IT experts. The LibLime Koha features includes:
• Fully developed ILS functionality – It provides fully developed modules including Course Reserves, Acquisitions, Serials Control, etc
• Web-based solution – The ILS is completely webbased from the functionality like OPAC, staff, administrative features. The self-check- out, check-in interfaces are based on standards compliant with the latest WWW technologies like XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets and Javascript. It is because of these reasons the LibLime Koha is completely known as a Web-based solution.
• Easy-to-use: The platform is very easy to use and user can set its circulation policies, provides robust patron management system, insightful navigation and wide-ranging permissions for staff.
• Parent-child relationship: It provides parent child relations for patron records and copy patron feature to promptly and rapidly add families.
• Extensive support: It also provides widespread support for holds. It includes choice to ‘suspend’ and ‘reactivate’ the hold. Patrons are allowed to place holds from their OPAC account, similarly allows staff to re- organize the holds queue. It also provides the option to place holds at the title or item level.
• Enhanced matching policy: Older records can be updated with a newer record version by enhanced matching rules for the 001 and 035 tags.
• Batch Mode– Provides the facility to import and export batches from the catalog through a single file upload.
• Support: It provides support for industry standards and guidelines.
• SIP2: It provides SIP2 for a wider range of vendors/ publishers and their products, ranging from ITG, 3M, EnvisionWare, Talking Tech, Overdrive, TechLogic, and Librarica. LibLime Koha also works with EzProxy as a twofold authentication source for remote access database.
• XML-Provides tags for MARC record storage thus provides quicker access to data.
• Clubs and Services: The feature allows libraries to administer group reading, book clubs, and community outreach programs.
• Support for third party: It supports all the debt Collection solutions, telephone Notices, etc.
5. Koha- ByWater Solutions
ByWater Solutions is an excellent and qualitative support for providing libraries with a lower cost, more advanced level of support for their Koha ILS. ByWater Solutions is supporting Koha implementation with library systems of all sizes and variant requirements. This Solution not only support Koha for lowering the cost of implementation but also for maintaining the ILS and empowering libraries by giving them the flexibility and freedom of the variable features. In 2009 June ByWater Solutions was started with its first client, Goodwin College and now has a partner base of over 800 libraries, making them one of the largest Koha service providers in the world.
Fig.1: Koha-By Water Platform
6. Delhi Public Library
Delhi Public Library (DPL) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture and governed by Delhi Library Board. The DPL is supported and financed by the Government of India. In the year 1951, DPL was started as a UNESCO project by the Indian Government. The network of Delhi Public Libraries is divided into Zonal Libraries, Branches and Sub-branch libraries, Resettlement Colonies Libraries, Community Libraries, Deposit Stations, Mobile Library, Braille library which are spread in the geographical locations all over Delhi. At present DPL is having a collection of more than 18 lakh books in languages like Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali and various other Indian Languages. DPL libraries cover almost all subjects and latest publications for the general interest of the citizens. Under the provision of Delivery of Books and Newspaper (Public Libraries) Act 1954, the Delhi Public Library receives the books as the 4th recipient library. It provides free library services to the citizens and inhabitants of Delhi. Some of the outstanding features of the library activities are that it provides services to Visually Impaired, Convicts, and Prisoners. It offers Mobile Library service in the city at various locations by sending the Mobile Vans. Delhi Public Library is the biggest Public Library System in India and has been the busiest Public Library in South Asia. The history of DPL shows that it started with a small library located in Old Delhi and it has now grown and developed into a premier public library system in the country covering the entire Metropolitan city consisting of a Central Library, a Zonal Library, 3 Branch Libraries, 23 Sub-Branch Libraries, 3 Community Libraries, 12 Resettlement Colonies Libraries, One Braille Library, 73 Mobile Service Points and 22 Deposit Stations. Below given is the organisational structure of Delhi Public Library.
Fig.2:Delhi Public Library
6.1 Koha @ DPL
Delhi Public Library started computerization in 1995 and 1997 it started using CDS/ISIS to create the database of books obtained under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers Act. Koha was implemented in 2007 and retro conversion was done with 52681 records in English and 38180 records in Hindi from CDS/ISIS. About 2.5 lakh records were entered in Koha upto 2012 through in-house manpower. At present Delhi Public Library is having more than 1.5 million records in the Koha and is being used in its all libraries through a centralised setup of Koha 3.10.03 version.
7. Koha Architecture
Koha is client-server model architecture. The server runs with the Operating System ranging from Linux, UNIX or Mac. With the new OS available, the preferred and recommended operating system for Koha is Debian Linux. Koha can be implemented on any operating system. Koha Client installations require only a web browser/ graphical browser, or it can even run with a text browser for the OPAC. Koha can be implemented on all kinds of operating systems like Windows, Linux, Macs, or even UNIX. Koha uses the TCP-IP protocols to work on a network and also works fine with the low bandwidth connections. Telephone line, broadband connections can be also used for its connectivity.
Koha has a three layer architecture which divides the software into three different layers.
• Database Layer: It manages the access to the database management system
• Processing Layer: It manages the processes and procedures required by the user
• Formatting Layer: It provides templates for the appearance and presentation in HTML format
The interface of the KOHA is completely customizable through server machine on intranet and through OPAC. The cascading style sheets (CSS) is used by the interface and it is also completely customizable.
8. Koha Requirement
• Koha latest version freely available at www.koha.org
• Apache web server freely available at www.apache.org
• Any RDMS like MySQL freely available at www.mysql.com
• Perl Modules freely available at www.cpan.org
• Any version or flavor of Linux or WINDOWS Server
9. Koha Modules
This includes the following;
• Administration
• OPAC
• Cataloguing
• Circulation
• Serials
• Acquisitions
• Patrons
Fig.3: Koha Home page showing all Modules Let us discuss these modules as follows:
9.1 Koha Administration
Koha Administration provides various system parameters for the functioning of Koha libraries and groups, defines item types and the authorized values. Global System preference is the most important module of Koha which deals with administration and maintenance and manages preferences like MARC, date format, administrator email and various templates.
Fig. 4: Koha Administration
Koha administration module allows setting the preferences and various parameters to work in Koha. These preferences are for the system setup which defines the working of the koha.
a. Setting Global System Preferences
To begin working in Koha, the first step required is to set up the Global system preferences which control Koha system functions. All the preferences can be sorted alphabetically to view the functionality wise global system preferences. These include:
• Acquisitions which offer the preferences which relates to acquisitions such as handling patron preference, currencies format, unique item, local taxes.
• Administration allows setting the administrative preferences like the administrative email address, session storage, search engine selection, time out and other parameters.
• Authorities option sets the preference related to handling authority records like MARC, UNIMARC Control fields
• Cataloguing have the preferences relating to cataloguing function like setting MARC flavour, Z39.50, record structure and spine label options.
• Circulation is an important option where preferences are set for circulation functions such as checkin, checkout policy, course reserves, fines policy, holds policy, interface and self checkout options are provided.
• Creators option contains preferences related to patron cards.
• Enhanced Content gives preferences relating to adding content from external sources to OPAC and Staff Client like Amazon, Babeltheque, Baker and Taylor, OCLC, Google etc. One can also select the preferences for HTML5 Media, IDream Libraries, tagging, plugins and syndetics.
• I18N/L10N allows preferences related to international and local values such as date formats and languages.
• Local Use tab has a preference for frameworks, version etc.
• Logs allows to turn on or off the log maintain facility of the system.
• OPAC allows setting the preferences for OPACs appearances; OPAC features enabling or disabling; policy and privacy options of OPAC; setting patrons self registration preferences and shelf browser options.
• Patrons preferences includes controls for patron functions like auto email, borrowers titles, patron images, minimum password length, membership number settings and many more.
• Searching helps in selecting the preferences for search results display, search form and removing stop words or allowing stemming.
• Serials option gives the preferences related to managing serial subscriptions.
• Staff Client tailors the staff client by editing the style sheet and navigational menu.
• Web Services includes preferences related to services like ILS-DI, OAI-PMH and reporting.
b. KOHA Basic Operating Parameters
Koha allows setting various basic parameters which manage the functioning of the KOHA. These settings are essential to set for working in Koha.
• Library and Groups: To begin working, the first step is set the parameters. So the first one is setting up Koha system by adding details for each and every library that will be shared by the system. This data is used in various modules of Koha. Adding up a new Library requires providing the Name, Code, Address, Properties and IPs of the Library. These libraries can be grouped into the domain with the fields Name, Code and Description.
• Item Types: It allows to organize collection by item types and collection codes to be defined as per the requirements. Item types refer to physical material like books, CDs, DVDs, Audio Books, Book Discussions and Large Prints etc.
• Authorized Values: Authorized value category control the values that can be input into MARC fields by catalogers.
c. Patron and Circulation Parameters
• Patron Categories: Patron categories allows organizing patrons into different roles, age groups, and patron types. It has six major categories adult, child, staff, organizational, professional and statistical.
• Circulation and Fines Rules:It defines circulation and fines rules for libraries, patron, and item types. Also sets the checkout, hold and return policy.
• Patron Attribute Types: It defines the extended attributes for the identifiers and statistical categories for patron.
• Library Transfer Limits:Allows or limits the transferring of items between libraries based on the policy of library for sending, receiving, and the collection code involved.
• Transport Cost Matrix: It defines transport costs between branches.
• Item Circulation Alerts:It provides the rules for check-in and checkout for libraries, patron and item types.
• Cities and Towns: It defines cities and towns where patrons reside.
• Road Types: It defines road types which display as authoritative values when adding/editing patrons. These are also used for collecting the geographical statistics.
d. Catalog Parameters
• MARC Bibliographic Framework: Koha provide predefined frameworks which can be modified, edited or deleted. One can also create own frameworks for content specific to its libraries.
• Koha to MARC Mapping: It allows mapping among the SQL transactional database and the MARC Bibliographic records.
• Keywords to MARC Mapping: It maps between keywords and MARC fields. The keywords are used to find various data’s independently of the framework. It allows mapping MARC fields to a set of predefined keywords.
• MARC Bibliographic Framework Test: This tool checks the MARC structure in your frameworks, if any changes are made in MARC Bibliographic framework, it’s recommended to test for errors through this test.
• Authority Types: It creates and manages authorities’ frameworks which define the characteristics of MARC Records, its field and subfield definitions.
• Classification Sources: This define classification sources like call number schemes which are used in the library collection and also defines filing rules used for sorting these call numbers.
• Record Matching Rules: It manages rules for automatically matching MARC records during record imports.
• OAI Sets Configuration: This manages Open archives initiatives OAI Sets.
e. Acquisition parameters
• Currencies and Exchange Rates: It manually defines currencies and exchange rates used for acquisitions in the library for day to day conversion rates.
• Budgets: It defines annual budgets of the library. Shows the active and inactive budgets.
• Funds: It define funds which are allocated from the budgets to the sub libraries or categories.
f. Additional parameters
• Z39.50 Servers Administration: Koha provides the default list of Z39.50 targets which can be set up, that can be added to, edited or deleted as per the library requirements. One can define the servers to which query for MARC data can be made in the integrated Z39.50 client.
• Did You Mean Option: It allows choosing plugins to use for the searches made by patrons and staff in OPAC and Intranet.
9.2 Koha Members/ Patrons Module
The Patrons of Koha stores the information about the patrons. It allows to add the patrons of the library and search/browse screen for patrons. The search can be made by any part of their name of the patron or their card number. It also provides patron search with more filters including the ability to limit to a specific category and/or library.
1. The Patron module not only manages individual borrowers, but also institutions as patrons.
2. Patron category is defined with the minimum and maximum ages for patron of the given category.
3. Searching the patron’s card number provides the details like financial standing of the patron, charges due, patron’s reservations, and outstanding loans against the patron.
The module requires the following to create a patron
a. Patron Identity;
b. Organization Identity (For Inter Library Loan Patron);
c. Guarantor Identity (In case of Child Patron);
d. Main Address and Contact;
e. Alternate Address and Contact;
f. Library Management for Card No., Library Branch and Category;
g. Library Set-up for Registration Date and Expiry Date;
h. OPAC/Staff Login for Username and Password;
i. Additional Attributes and identifiers like Driver License No., Favorite Color; and
j. Patron Messaging Preferences.
Fig.5: Koha Members Module @ DPL
9.3 Koha Circulation Module
Circulation Module sets the functions for circulating the resources to the patrons. Before circulating the collection or the resources of the library it is essential to set the Global System Preferences, Basic Parameters and Patrons and Circulation Rules. The Circulation modules facilitates with the following:
1. Check out: Allows to check-out the item required by the patron. It also provides printing receipts, check out messages and warnings.
2. Check–In: Allows to check-in the resource issued to the patron through scanning the barcode or entering the barcode number. It gives options to forgive the overdue charges and allows book drop box mode for check-in the collection.
3. Renew: Allows to renew the issued collection by the patron by entering the barcode.
4. Transfer: Allows to transfer the collection to the branch library by entering the barcode. This option is for the multi-library system where it allows transferring items from one library to another by using this Transfer tool.
5. Set Library: Allows choosing the library in multi library for the circulation.
6. Fast Cataloguing: It provides the facility for adding a record to the system for an item the library staff at circulation wants to check out for the patron; this is known as ‘Fast Add’. It is a Fast Add Cataloguing tool, simply to have the fast cataloguing permissions.
7. Offline Circulation: The Circulation module provides offline circulation facility through which .koc file can be uploaded to update the circulation data. The batch file allows to update the circulation data in one go.
8. Circulation Reports: This module provides to generate the reports on Holds queue, Holds to pull, holds waiting pickups, holds ratios, transfers to receive, overdues and overdues with fines.
Fig.6: Screen Shot of Koha Circulation Module @ DPL
9.4 Koha Cataloguing Module
The cataloguing module of Koha allows adding new bibliographic records to Koha. These records can be added to Koha through data entry or copy cataloguing. New record creates a blank template for entering the tags and it requires choosing the framework which defines the base of the record. It also allows adding a new record through Z39.50 to import the record by clicking the caret.
1. MARC Management: The cataloguing module provides several frameworks which help in cataloguing for books, monographs, e- resources, serials, periodicals, etc.
2. Export/Import: Allows to import or export the cataloguing records.
3. Duplicate Records: Sometime it is required to create a duplicate of similar record, so it requires editing the necessary information to create a new record. It can be easily done by clicking on existing record to edit as new – duplicate from the ‘Edit’ menu on the bibliographic record.
4. MARC View and Card View: Catalogue data can be exhibited in MARC format or Card format.
5. Z39.50 Search Points: Z39.50 option allows searching with various fields like Title, Author, ISBN, ISSN, LC Call Number, Subject Heading, Control Number, Dewey number, Raw and Standard ID.
Fig.7: Koha Cataloguing Module@ DPL
9.5 Koha Serials Module
The Serials module assists in managing serial subscriptions for journals, magazines, and newspapers.
1. Adding New Subscription: Subscriptions can be added by inputting data for the bibliographic record by clicking ‘New Subscription’. It requires filling two forms, the first is of Subscription Details and other is Serials Planning with the subscription dates details.
2. Claims: Allows sending email messages to serial vendors if the issues are not delivered with the due date of receiving.
3. Check Expiration: When adding serials one can enter a subscription length, using the check expiration tool subscriptions details can be seen about the subscription expire. It allows to view the subscription which are about to expire further or renew it in one click.
4. Manage Frequencies: Allows setting the frequencies of the issues.
5. Mange Numbering Patterns: Allows setting the volume number and issue number pattern or format to be displayed.
6. Search Subscriptions: Allows to search the subscriptions through the ISSN, Title, Publisher, Vendor and Subscriber Library of the Serial Title.
Fig.8: Koha Serial Module- New Subscription
9.6 OPAC Module
1. Koha facilitates the users with the Online Public Access Catalog which can be viewed 24X7 anytime anywhere;
2. It allows the OPAC users to search with the fields like Keyword, Subject, Title, Class, Barcode, Author, Publisher, ISBN, Series etc;
3. OPAC refines the searches made on Availability of the Resource, Authors, Libraries, Item Types, Location, Series, Topics and others;
4. Allows the OPAC users who are logged in as members to reserve library items for future issue;
5. Bibilio basket: members can select the item and can add to the cart; and
6. Allows to add the tag and save to lists of the member.
Fig.9: Koha OPAC Module @DPL
9.7 Koha Acquisition Module
The Koha Acquisitions module manages the library orders placed with vendors and manages the purchase budgets. One can add items to catalogue through acquisitions, track vendors and spending against budgets. The Acquisition Module has the functions like setup the budgets/ funding, set the vendors – addition and deletion. One can manage the contracts and suggestions. It has the common functions of placing the orders, creating a basket, receiving the orders, invoicing, claims and late orders. The module also allows making acquisition searches.
1. Simple and Full Acquisitions: The simple acquisitions module allows to acquire materials and add them directly to the catalogue without budgetary matters, order placing etc. While full acquisitions requires managing budgets and book fund, budget available, Committed, Spent Suppliers to add the acquisition in the library.
2. Late Orders: Allows sending the claim emails to the vendor when an order is late and suggests for the claims.
3. Suggestions Management: Manages the suggestion made by the patrons given via the OPAC by the patrons.
4. Invoices: Invoices are generated and processed for acquisition.
5. Budgets: Administers the budget as active and inactive budgets.
6. Funds: Budgets are broken into funds for further allocation as funds.
7. Currencies: Currencies are set for conversions and payments.
Fig.10: Koha Acquisitions Module
9.8 Koha Authorities
Authority records control the fields in MARC records. Using authority records provides control over subject headings, personal names and places. It allows the add the authorities in MARC related to Default framework, Chronological Term, Corporate Name, Genre/Form Term, Geographic Names, Meeting Place, Personal Name, Topical Term and Uniform Title.
Fig.11: Koha Authorities
10. Koha Tools
Koha provides three catagories of tools relating to Patrons and Circulation; Catalog tools and additional tools. These tools are alterative for the Koha Reports.
• Patrons and Circulation Tools
a. Patrons Lists: Provides the Patrons List.
b. Approved Patrons Comments and Comments Awaited for Moderation.
c. Import Patrons: Allows to upload the csv file of patrons to be uploaded.
d. Notices and Slips: Creates, Edits, Deletes and lists all the notices and
slips required in the Koha.
e. Overdue Notices/Status Triggers: Allows defining overdue actions.
f. Patrons Card Creator: Patron card creator allows using layouts and templates which are designed to print range of patron cards including the barcodes.
g. Batch Patron deletion/ Anonymization: This tool allows deleting patrons and anonymizing checkout history.
h. Batch Patron Modification: Allows to modify patrons in a single batch by uploading the file
i. Tag Moderation: Allows approving the tags to be displayed in the OPAC.
j. Upload Patron Images: Allows adding the zip file or image file to add the image of the patron.
• Catalog Tools
a. Batch Item Deletion: Allows to upload the batch file or scan the barcodes together and delete the items from the library.
b. Batch Item Modification: Similar to deletion it allows to modify the items in the batch;
c. Export Data: Allow to export data in MARC .mrc file or xml file.
d. Inventory/Stocktaking: Koha’s Inventory Tool helps in controlling inventory and doing stock verification. The shelf list can be printed and can be marked for availability. One can also upload text files of barcodes to verify the inventory to create a stock taking report.
e. Label Creator: Label Creator allows using layouts and templates which are designed to print a variety of labels including barcodes.
f. Quick Spine Label Creator: Quickly creates the spine label;
g. Manage MARC Modification Templates: Allows to create a new template.
h. Stage MARC for Import: It allows selecting a MARC file to stage in the import reservoir and it is parsed, and each valid record is staged for later import into the catalog.
i. Staged MARC Management: It manages staged MARC records.
j. Upload Local Cover Image: This tool allows to upload cover images for the materials in catalog.
• Additional tools includes
a. Calendar: Allows to define the calendar and mark the holidays with its details.
b. CSV Profiles: Allows exporting the profiles through CSV file.
c. Log Viewer: Provides all the log viewing facility and can be exported as a file.
d. Koha’s News: News can be posted to the OPAC, staff interface and circulation receipts for the users, patrons and staff.
e. Task Scheduler: Sets the task of scheduling reports to run at the time defined.
f. Quote Editor: Quote of the Day (QOTD) editor allows for editing of and adding to the pool of quotes which serve as the source of the Quote-Of-The-Day (QOTD) feature in OPAC.
11. Koha Lists
Koha new list form offers several options for creating list:
• Private list: Managed by the library staff and can be seen only by creator
• Public list: Managed by the Library staff and can be seen by everybody
• Open list: This can be managed by everybody and can be seen by everybody
It also allows merging Bibliographic Records via Lists. It is the easiest way to merge together duplicate bibliographic records and add them to a list by using the Merge Tool.
12. Koha Reports
Koha provides the guided reports which can be designed through the wizard or through the SQL. The statistics wizard provides the reports related to acquisition, patrons, catalog, circulation, serials and holdings. The Librarians can get the top lists for the highest checking out patrons and most circulated items. They can similarly see the inactive patrons and items. Some other important reports include items lost, average loan time and reconciliation. The Koha reports also provides the reports dictionary.
Fig.12: Koha Reports
13. Summary
Koha is a free and open source library automation package, which free libraries from vendor lock-in, and allow customisation, control of the libraries data at no cost. Koha has become worldwide popular with thousands of installations with around translations in 62 languages. KOHA is built by a community of open source experts who are interested in the development and maintenance of the software. Koha is installed in diverse libraries ranging from academic, public, legal, research, corporate and specialist libraries. Koha users are getting advantage from a vivacious and enthusiastic open source community, with thousands of installation in the world. The accessibility through and ease of use in the libraries is the strength of Koha. Koha has been successfully implemented and have become a landmark in the renowned libraries like National Library of Venezuela having 7 million volumes, Delhi Public Library with 1.8 million volumes, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Library having around 1 million volumes. Delhi Public Library is one of the best successful examples in India demonstrating the implementation of open source library software usage.
14. References
1. Omeluzor, Saturday U.; Adara, Olugbenga; Ezinwayi, Madukoma; Bamidele, A. Itunu; Umahi, Felicia Oby. Implementation of Koha Integrated Library Management Software (ILMS): The Babcock University Experience Canadian Social Science.8/31/2012, Vol. 8 Issue 4, p211-221
2. Sangeeta Kaul. Open Source ILS Software: KOHA: an experience. Available at: www.naclin.org/KOHA%20PRESENTATION.ppt
- Koha. www.koha.org
- Liblime Koha. www.liblime.com/koha
- ByWater Solutions http://bywatersolutions.com/