Book Image

Koha 3 Library Management System

Book Image

Koha 3 Library Management System

Overview of this book

Koha is the first full-featured open source library management system that is widely used for efficiently managing libraries. However, setting up and maintaining Koha is no walk in the park. It is not as straightforward as setting up the other popular LAMP applications.This practical guide provides all the essential information that is needed to make the task of installing and configuring Koha really seem simple and easy. It demonstrates how to set up Koha and its various aspects – installation, configuration, application administration, and data migration. It also covers troubleshooting, software maintenance, software customization, and other advanced topics.The book starts with installing and configuring the LAMP stack and the Koha application to meet your needs. It then goes deeper into setting up various rules and configuring settings for Koha. It also covers data migration of catalog records, software maintenance, and customization of the application. Chapters are also dedicated to providing an insight into advanced topics such as LDAP integration and Internationalization. Filled with numerous code samples and screenshots, this book will tour you through setting up Koha for evaluation or test purposes. It also includes loads of tips for troubleshooting and maintenance activities. By the end of this book, you will have gained the knowledge to get the most out of your Koha installation.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Koha 3 Library Management System
Credits
About the Authors
About the Reviewers
Preface
Index

Item types


Item types are groups of items of material in the library that are circulated in different ways.

Item types are also a very important part of Koha's circulation module.

You can find the types screen in the Patrons and Circulation section in Koha's Administration module.

Identifying Item types

Unless your library is just starting up, you will already have your list of Item types. Just like with patron categories you might consider modifying the item type list to take advantage of some of Koha's capabilities.

We will need to consider what types of material in the library have have distinct characteristics. We need to assess if types of material are different in one or more of following ways:

  • Renewal policies

  • Not for loan policies

  • Loan period

  • Maximum checkouts

  • Fine amount

  • Rental charge

Here's a good example of Koha's default Item type list:

  • Books

  • Reference

  • Journals

  • Reports

  • CD/DVDS

Creating Item types

To create a new item type we use the New Item Type button. Use this table as a guide to create or edit...