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Koha tips and tricks

2018-03-26

Koha tips and tricks edition #1

Koha is a Library Management System used worldwide by over 18,000 libraries. Rōpū kohinga at Catalyst is passionate about using Koha and helping libraries (big and small) to get the most out of their Koha LMS.

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 & A's, UX and design enhancements, bug fixes, and even history sessions. This blog is the first installment of our ‘Koha Tips & Tricks’ series, highlighting the four main questions of the day.

Koha tips and tricks

1. Can I add or modify text and styling on the Koha OPAC main page?

You’re able to update the text and styling of the Koha OPAC main page to match your library’s branding. OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) 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 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 to customising your Koha catalogue.

3. How can library staff and patrons who don’t know how to code still contribute to the Koha project?

Knowing your work is included in a worldwide project used by thousands of libraries is a motivating and exciting prospect. A good way to engage library users is for them to contribute to Koha translations. This way users can translate content on Koha pages into the language they’re experts in. Once the translated text is submitted to the project, it will be integrated into Koha. So, when libraries upgrade to new Koha versions, their patron’s contributions will be live in their Koha system.

4. I've heard people talking about a ‘carousel’ what is it 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 Librarieshas a carousel on their 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.

Catalyst Koha

If you have any questions or comments about this blog or would like some support with your Koha instance, you are welcome to email us.

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