A Koha is a special kind of gift, most accurately defined as a gift with expectations.
Koha is the first open-source
Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). Development started in New Zealand in
1999-2000 by a web development company called Katipo for libraries in rural areas
of New Zealand. Katipo worked with Horowhenua Library Trust (HLT) to write the
first version of Koha, and then released the code under the GPL (The GNU
General Public License).
Koha is web-based multilingual LIMS to cater to the automation needs of medium to large libraries around the world. Koha satisfies all the functional
requirements of a library management system. It is full-featured MARC based Integrated Library Management System and can customize to cater to the needs of libraries.
Koha can be downloaded from the official site: www.koha-community.org. Koha is not a company - Koha is a world-wide
project and a product. The word Koha is a Maori word meaning gift or donation. Koha
development is steered by the collaboration of a growing community of libraries
and a team of volunteers from around the globe. Koha is developed using
technologies like Perl (Practical Extraction and Report Language), HTML, CSS, Javascript, Apache and
MySQL. It runs on Linux.
Features of Koha
- MARC 21 compatible
- Z39.50 search
- MARC Import/Exports
- Multilingual Web OPAC
- Comprehensive advance search
- Flexibility to customize according to your library needs
- Printing functions for barcode labels, and reports
- Virtual Book Shelf
- Barcode and spine label printing
- Copy Cataloguing
- Branch Libraries Management and Items transfers
- Budget Management
- Customizable Data Entry Sheet
- No platform dependence. It can run on Linux, Windows etc. Koha uses MySQL as backend RDBMS and Apache Web server (these software are also open source).
Fully web-based and all necessary library modules available to perform traditional library operations:
- Multilingual Web OPAC
- Cataloguing
- Patron Management
- Acquisition
- Circulation (Online and Offline)
- Serials system for periodicals
- Authorities Control
- Reports
- FAQ
Cataloging: data entry, copy cataloging using Z39.50 search, MARC and UNIMARC support, authority control
Patron Management: photos, custom fields, fine management, history
Acquisition: This preference defines the type of acquisitions the library plans to use.
Circulation: checking in/out, overdue notices (email, sms)
Serials: serials management, receive issues, track late issues, process vendor claims, check-in supplements Acquisitions track vendors, track orders, receive orders, process claims, budgeting
Custom Reporting: Statistics wizards - select fields to display in table form and generate statistics
Report wizard - Choose database fields to generate custom reports to meet your library's needs, SQL reports
Important Links
Important Links
- http://www.web2learning.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/introkoha-lyrasis.pdf
- http://www.slideshare.net/arslanone/introduction-to-koha-7712058?from_action=save
- https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Main_Page
- http://opensource-ils.cci.utk.edu/content/koha
- http://www.koha.org/download
- https://koha-community.org/about/koha-project-organization/
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W4vUwEQK5alc474WEt0h38qQ5VOGJxPpnJiytxJSgu0/edit
Why Koha?
Full-featured ILS. In use
worldwide in libraries of all sizes, Koha is a true enterprise-class ILS with
comprehensive functionality including basic and advanced options. Koha includes
modules for circulation, cataloguing, acquisitions, serials, reservation, user
management, branch relationships and et al.
Dual Database Design
Koha uses a dual database design that
utilizes the strengths of the two major industry-standard database types
(text-based and RDBMS). This design feature ensures that Koha is scalable
enough to meet the transaction load of any library, no matter what the size.
Library Standards Compliant
Koha
is built using library standards and protocols that ensure interoperability
between Koha and other systems and technologies, while supporting existing workflows
and tools.
Web-based Interfaces
Koha’s
OPAC, circulation management and self-checkout interfaces are all based on
standards compliant World Wide Web technologies XHTML, CSS and Javascript
making Koha a truly platform-independent solution.
Free/Open Source
Koha is
distributed under the open-source General Public License.
Minimum Hardware, Software and
Manpower Requirements for Koha Implementation
Hardware Requirement:
Processor Pentium-4, 2.6 GHz or higher
RAM 2 GB
HDD 80 GB
DVD Drive /USB Drive
- Windows XP (Service pack 2 or 3) or higher for installation of Koha on Window. OR Any flavor of Linux operating system (Ubuntu, Centos, Fedora) for installation on Linux or Unix.
- ActivePearl - programming language
- Apache Server
- Koha ILMS Software
- Firefox Webbrowser
- Mysql Server
- SQLyog mysql administration tool
- wrar - winrar is a windows data compression tool that focuses on the RAR and ZIP data compression formats.
- Any flavor of Linux operating system (Ubuntu, Centos, Fedora) for installation on Linux.
Koha upgrade
New version of Koha release every six month with bundle of
new features. Updates also release during the six month.
Up-gradation is easy with Koha installation based on Debian
packages.
Apply the following command in Applications > Accessories
> Terminal
sudo su [enter the
Linux root password when it ask]
apt-get update
apt-get upgrade
apt-get install koha-common
If any errors shows, install again repository key.
wget -O- http://debian.koha-community.org/koha/gpg.asc |
sudo apt-key add -
Again repeat the upgrade process.
Clean the packages after upgradation
apt-get clean
After upgrading you have to install additional perl modules
missing, Open Koha staff interface and check, About Koha > Perl Modules You can find missing perl modules highlighted in different
colors,
How to install missing perl modules, Apply following commands in a terminal,
sudo su
sudo cpan
Here is an example to install a perl module called
Data::Pagination
install Data::Pagination
The same way, you can install other missing Perl modules.
Now your Koha is upgraded to Koha 3.12 and ready to use.
References:
- https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/Main_Page
- kohacommunity.org
- http://www.slideshare.net/search/slideshow?searchfrom=header&q=KOHA+TUTORIAL
- https://koha-community.org/about/release-schedule/
- https://www.perl.org/
- https://www.webyog.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou7WgoeSmOc
- https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1anrAx83fzuy0j0CWqAqi8P8JQeNDWwrX1mhktzAUjf0/edit#slide=id.g1425b80d6e_0_123
- http://www.koha.rwjr.com/downloads/Koha%20on%20Windows.pdf
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/
- http://kohageek.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-upgrade-to-koha-312-in-koha-live.html
Manual database needs more paper spaces for storage and more people for managing database. Retrieveing, updating, adding, etc. field service software
ReplyDeleteThanks for the details.
ReplyDeleteCloud Inventory Software
Thanks for sharing this valuable information to us...
ReplyDeletelims software provider
Awesome blog, thanks
ReplyDeleteBarcode Label Management Solutions
nice blog Barcode Label Management Solutions "
ReplyDeleteuseful blog Barcode Label Management Solutions "
ReplyDeleteyour valuable information and time. Please keep updating.
ReplyDeletea>
ServiceNow Online Training Hyderabad
ServiceNow Online Training India
Excellent Blog, very useful to. Best erp software companies in chennai
ReplyDeleteI also like to suggest you the best FIELD MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE in Singapore, you can go with Genic Teams for MOBILE WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT. Get in touch with us to get the best deals and offers.
ReplyDelete