About Koha

About Koha

Koha is the first free and open source software library automation package

(ILS).Development is sponsored by libraries of varying types and sizes,

 volunteers, and support companies from around the world.

Koha Features

OPAC

• Fully customizable browser and mobile OPACs
• Keyword and advanced searching
• Search filtering by location, item type, subjects and more
• Cover images from over 5 popular services
• Enhanced OPAC content from external products such as Open Library, Syndetics, Baker & Taylor and LibraryThing
• Tagging, commenting and star ratings
• Availability and online resource links shown on search results
• Virtual shelf browser
• Social network share buttons
• Permanent URLs throughout
• Personalized patron experience:
  • Ability to place, suspend and cancel holds
  • List of current and past checkouts
  • Account history (fines and payments)
  • Private lists
  • Ability to register for a library card online.
  • Access to account information
  • Subscribe/ unsubscribe to/from library notices via email, SMS and/or phone
  • Make purchase suggestions

Circulation

• Check in and out with a barcode scanner or manually
• Enter calendar of closings for calculating fines and due dates
• Book drop mode to backdate check ins
• Ability to forgive fines on check in
• Holds pull list generated on your schedule
• Offline circulation for Windows and/or Firefox
• Place, suspend and cancel holds for patrons
• Transfer materials between branches
• Set circulation, fine and holds rules for each branch
• Perform collection inventory
• POS connectivity (expected Spring 2013)
• Communication with collection management companies
• Web-based self check out module

Patrons

• Upload patrons in bulk
• Upload patron images individually or in bulk
• Create patron cards
• Batch modify patrons
• Run reports on circulation custom to your library
• Search patrons by phone, email address, name and more
• Browse patrons by name
• Connect children to guardians and see an entire family’s current checkouts on one screen
• Set rules to prevent check out of inappropriate materials to children
• Add custom search-able fields to patron records

Cataloging

• Add records by batch uploading
• Add records by copy cataloging with a built in Z39.50 search engine
• Add records using the OCLC Connexion client
• Add records using original cataloging
• Add and modify items individually or in a batch
• Add and link to authority records
• Duplicate bibliographic records for sudo-original cataloging
• Create custom cataloging templates with pre-set values for efficient cataloging
• Built in links to Library of Congress cataloging help
• Create spine and barcode labels
• Batch modify and delete item records
• Create public lists of records at the library

Reports

• Complete access to all data stored in Koha; write any report you want
• Custom reports shared publicly on the Koha wiki
• Easily run any saved report at any time
• Enter filters on reports to run them on for specific item types, branches, patron categories, time frames and so much more

Acquisitions

• Enter budgets and funds
• Duplicate budgets and funds for the following year
• Keep track of all vendor information
• Order from vendor files
• Order using EDI (expected Spring 2013)
• Order multiple copies
• Order copies of existing records
• Order by searching Z39.50 targets
• Track order status
• Generate late reports and claim letters
• Track budget encumbrances and expenditures
• Create ‘on order’ items to allow patrons to place holds
• Accept purchase suggestions and keep patrons notified as the item moves through the Acquisitions process

Serials

• Create subscriptions with full prediction patterns
• Receive issues one at time or in bulk
• Barcode serials on receipt if desired
• Generate late issue reports and claim emails
• See full serial history
• Print routing lists for each subscription
• Duplicate subscriptions for multiple branches

Administration

• Full access to administrative functions
• Over 400 system preferences to make Koha run just the way you want
• Full circulation and fine rules matrix for each branch
• Define your own libraries, item types, shelving locations and more
• Create custom pull down menus for use in cataloging, patron management and invoicing
• Enter/change Z39.50 targets

System

• Unlimited SIP2 connections
• LDAP functionality
• MySQL database
• Works with RFID and self check out products