As library professionals, we often encounter repetitive technical tasks that consume valuable time and require command-line expertise. One such task is preparing and uploading patron images into the Koha Library Management System. To make this process easier and more accessible, I am pleased to announce the release of the Koha Bulk Image Tool, a desktop application designed specifically for Koha users.
What is the Koha Bulk Image Tool?
The Koha Bulk Image Tool is a Linux desktop application that helps libraries process patron photographs and generate Koha-compatible ZIP packages for bulk image uploads.
NB: Image filenames should be cardnumber of the patrons in koha
The application allows users to:
- Select individual images or entire folders
- Batch resize patron images to required dimensions
- Automatically compress images to suitable file sizes
- Generate the required IDLINK.TXT file
- Create a Koha-ready ZIP package for direct upload
- Use a simple graphical interface without requiring Linux terminal commands
The project is available on GitHub:
https://github.com/maheshpalamuttath/koha-bulk-image-tool
Why Was This Tool Created?
Many librarians using Koha are familiar with the challenge of preparing patron images for bulk upload. While effective scripts and methods already existed, they often required users to work through the Linux command line.
Not every library professional is comfortable using terminal commands, and this sometimes becomes a barrier to adopting useful automation tools.
The idea behind the Koha Bulk Image Tool was simple:
Make the process easier, more user-friendly, and accessible to every librarian.
By providing a graphical desktop application and packaging it as a Debian (.deb) package, installation and usage become much simpler for libraries running Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and related distributions.
Inspired by the Work of Mr. A.J. Tomson
The original Python script developed by Mr. Tomson served as the inspiration and foundation for this project. His contributions to the Koha community and library automation initiatives have benefited numerous libraries over the years.
Building upon his work, I enhanced the functionality, added a graphical user interface, and packaged the application into an installable Debian package to make it easier for librarians to use and share.
Open Source and Community Driven
The Koha Bulk Image Tool is released as an open-source project. I believe that library technology grows stronger when professionals collaborate, share ideas, and contribute improvements.
I welcome:
- Feedback from librarians
- Bug reports
- Feature suggestions
- Code contributions
- Testing on different Linux distributions
Your suggestions will help improve the tool and make it more useful for the wider Koha community.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the following individuals for their support, guidance, and testing efforts:
- Mr. A.J. Tomson, Librarian, Devagiri College, Kozhikode
- Dr. Vimal Kumar, Assistant Librarian, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala
- Mr. Subeesh Gopinathan, Librarian, St. Mary’s Women’s College for Teacher Education, Thiruvalla
- Ms. Monika P.M., Librarian (UGC), SNM Training College, Moothakunnam
Their valuable feedback during the trial stages helped refine the application and improve its usability.
Download and contribute:
https://github.com/maheshpalamuttath/koha-bulk-image-too
How to Install
Getting Started with the Koha Bulk Image Tool – LIBTECHNOPHILE