Moving Towards Koha

"Moving Towards Koha" generally refers to the process of transitioning from a traditional or proprietary library management system (LMS) to Koha, an open-source integrated library system (ILS). This move is often motivated by the desire for greater flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and community-driven development.

Key Steps in Moving Towards Koha

1. Assessment & Planning

   • Evaluate your current library system (features, data structure, and limitations).
   • Identify the goals and benefits of switching to Koha.
   • Plan the transition timeline and resource allocation.

2. Data Migration

   • Export bibliographic, patron, circulation, and transaction data from the old system.
   • Clean and format data to match Koha’s structure.
   • Import data into Koha using tools like MarcEdit for MARC records.

3. Koha Installation & Setup

   • Choose between self-hosting or Koha-supported hosting services.
   • Install Koha on a Linux server (Debian-based distributions are recommended).
   • Configure system preferences, circulation rules, OPAC settings, and permissions.

4. Customization & Training

   • Customize the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) for branding and user experience.
   • Train library staff on cataloging, circulation, reporting, and system administration.
   • Educate patrons about new features and access points.

5. Testing & Implementation

   • Conduct parallel runs to ensure Koha functions correctly before full deployment.
   • Resolve any data inconsistencies or configuration issues.
   • Go live and provide ongoing technical support.

6. Maintenance & Community Engagement

   • Regularly update Koha for security and new features.
   • Utilize the Koha community for troubleshooting, plugins, and improvements.
   • Engage in forums, mailing lists, and KohaCon events.