KOHA is an open-source integrated library system (ILS) or library management software that

provides comprehensive tools for libraries to manage their collections, patrons, and library
operations efficiently. Here are some key features and aspects of KOHA:

1. Open Source: KOHA is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which
means it is freely available for use, modification, and distribution. This makes it cost-
effective for libraries of various sizes, including small community libraries and large
academic institutions.
2. Library Management: It offers modules for cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials
management, and more. Libraries can manage their entire collection of books,
periodicals, multimedia items, and other materials through a centralized system.
3. Web-based Interface: KOHA provides a web-based interface, allowing library staff to
access and manage the system from any location with internet access. This flexibility is
particularly beneficial for distributed libraries or those with multiple branches.
4. Cataloging and Metadata Management: It supports various cataloging standards (such
as MARC21) and allows libraries to import bibliographic records from external sources
like Library of Congress or other libraries' catalogs.
5. Circulation Management: KOHA facilitates check-in/check-out of materials,
holds/reserves, fines management, and patron notifications. It also supports different
circulation policies based on the library's needs.
6. Reporting and Analytics: The software includes reporting tools to generate custom
reports on circulation statistics, collection usage, financial information, and more. These
reports help libraries in decision-making and resource allocation.
7. Integration and Customization: KOHA is highly customizable and supports integration
with other library systems or third-party services. Libraries can tailor the software to fit
specific workflows and requirements.
8. Community Support: Being open source, KOHA benefits from a large community of
developers and users who contribute to its development, support forums, and
documentation. This community-driven approach ensures continuous improvement and
support.

Overall, KOHA is widely used globally by libraries seeking a robust and flexible solution for
managing their resources and providing enhanced services to patrons. Its open-source nature,
coupled with its comprehensive feature set, makes it a popular choice among libraries of all
types and sizes.
KOHA Library Software includes several modules that cater to different aspects of library
management. These modules provide functionalities for managing various library operations
efficiently. Here are the key modules typically found in KOHA:

1. Cataloging Module:
o Allows librarians to create, edit, and manage bibliographic records.
o Supports different cataloging standards such as MARC21.
o Provides tools for importing bibliographic data from external sources.
2. Acquisitions Module:
o Manages the process of acquiring library materials.
o Tracks orders, budgets, vendors, and invoices.
o Facilitates receiving and cataloging newly acquired items.
3. Circulation Module:
o Handles the borrowing and returning of library materials.
o Manages patron accounts, holds, renewals, fines, and notifications.
o Supports different circulation policies set by the library.
4. Serials Module:
o Manages subscriptions to periodicals, journals, and other serial publications.
o Tracks issues, subscriptions, claims, and renewals.
o Facilitates the management of serials holdings and check-in/check-out.
5. Patron Management Module:
o Manages patron records, including registration and updating contact information.
o Tracks borrowing history, fines, holds, and preferences.
o Provides tools for communicating with patrons and managing user accounts.
6. Reports Module:
o Generates customizable reports on various aspects of library operations.
o Includes circulation statistics, collection usage, financial reports, and more.
o Helps in decision-making and assessment of library performance.
7. Administration Module:
o Provides tools for configuring and customizing KOHA settings.
o Manages user permissions and security settings.
o Includes system maintenance and backup functionalities.
8. OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog):
o Provides a web-based interface for library patrons to search and access the
library's collection.
o Allows patrons to place holds, renew items, view their account status, and
interact with library services online.

These modules collectively support the core functions of a library, from managing collections
and patrons to facilitating access and circulation of library materials. KOHA's modular design
allows libraries to configure the software according to their specific needs and workflows,
making it a versatile choice for libraries of various types and sizes.
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KOHA Library Software typically has a web-based interface that is designed to be user-friendly
and intuitive for library staff, administrators, and patrons. Here's an overview of what the
interface generally looks like:

1. Dashboard: Upon logging in, users typically see a dashboard that provides an overview
of key statistics and alerts, such as circulation stats, overdue items, recent acquisitions,
and system messages.
2. Menu and Navigation: The interface includes a menu or navigation bar that allows users
to access different modules and functionalities of KOHA, such as cataloging, circulation,
acquisitions, serials, reports, and administration.
3. Cataloging Module: In the cataloging module, librarians can create and manage
bibliographic records. The interface includes fields for entering metadata like title,
author, publisher, ISBN, and other descriptive information. It may support various
cataloging standards (e.g., MARC21) and provide options for importing records from
external sources.
4. Acquisitions Module: The acquisitions module allows librarians to manage the process
of ordering and acquiring new materials. It includes features for creating purchase orders,
tracking budgets, managing vendors, and receiving items into the library's collection.
5. Circulation Module: The circulation module is used for managing the borrowing and
returning of library materials by patrons. Librarians can check items in and out, manage
patron accounts, place holds, process renewals, and handle fines or fees.
6. Serials Module: For libraries that manage serials (periodicals, journals, etc.), the serials
module tracks subscriptions, issues, claims, and renewals. It allows librarians to manage
serials holdings and monitor circulation of serial publications.
7. Patron Management: The interface includes tools for managing patron records,
including registration, updating contact information, viewing borrowing history,
managing fines, and communicating with patrons.
8. Reports and Statistics: KOHA provides reporting tools to generate custom reports on
various aspects of library operations, such as circulation statistics, collection usage,
financial reports, and more. These reports help librarians and administrators analyze
library performance and make informed decisions.
9. OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog): For patrons accessing the library's collection
online, KOHA's OPAC provides a user-friendly search interface. Patrons can search for
items by title, author, subject, etc., place holds, view their account status, and interact
with library services remotely.
10. Customization and Configuration: Depending on the library's needs, KOHA allows for
customization and configuration of settings through the administration module. This
includes setting circulation policies, configuring user permissions, managing system
preferences, and performing system maintenance tasks.

Overall, KOHA's interface is designed to streamline library workflows, enhance access to library
resources for patrons, and provide comprehensive tools for managing all aspects of library
operations effectively. Its web-based nature ensures accessibility from any device with internet
connectivity, making it convenient for libraries with multiple branches or distributed staff.