On the 22nd of March, Whanganui Libraries hosted the 2018 New Zealand Koha User Group Day. This event took full advantage of the wealth of Koha knowledge brought together in one room and had a range of sessions covering Q&As, UX and design enhancements, bug fixes, and even history sessions. As a result, Rōpū kohinga at Catalyst have launched our ‘Koha tips and tricks’ series to focus on common questions from the Koha community. In this blog post, we highlight the main questions from the Koha user group.
This blog post was updated in 2025 to include new resources.
4 Koha tips and tricks
1. Can I add or modify text and styling on the Koha OPAC main page?
Yes. You can update the text and styling of the Koha OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) main page to match your library’s branding. OPAC is what your patrons see when they use your website. So, if you want to customise your layout, you can partner with a designer or try it yourself.
Read more(external link) about how to put custom content on your homepage.
2. Can I add a new language to the OPAC and staff client of my Koha? For example, te reo Māori.
If you’d like to add new languages to your Koha, you must first ask your Koha vendor to install the translations for you. Once they’re installed, you can put translated content all over your Koha. For a full rundown of how to make the most of Koha’s translatability, read our guide(external link) to customising your Koha catalogue.
3. How can library staff and patrons who don’t know how to code contribute to the Koha project?
Library staff and users can contribute to Koha by translating content on Koha page. Once the translated text is submitted, it will be integrated into Koha. So, when libraries upgrade to new Koha versions, their patrons’ contributions will be live in their Koha system.
4. What is a ‘carousel’ and what can it do?
A carousel is a moving display that slides side-to-side, showing the cover images of your library’s newly added catalogue items. It is sometimes known as a slider, too. For example, Rangitikei Libraries(external link) has a carousel on its homepage.
If you’re interested in adding a carousel to your homepage, you’ll need support from your Koha vendor.
Check out the next post in the Koha tips and tricks series.(external link)
Koha resources
- If you have any questions about Koha, or customising your OPAC, we're happy to help. Contact us with your ideas.
- Subscribe to our newsletter(external link) for updates and insights in the GLAMR sector.
- Watch our Koha webinars(external link) for more tips and tricks.
