Streamlining Library Operations: Mastering Batch Process Techniques in Koha

I recently had the privilege of leading a session on “Mastering Batch Process Techniques in Koha” at the National Workshop on Koha ILS hosted by Providence Women’s College.

During this session, participants delved into the intricacies of leveraging Koha’s batch processing capabilities to streamline various library operations. We covered a range of essential tasks, including data import, record updates, and inventory management, highlighting how batch processes can significantly enhance efficiency.

One of the key points I emphasized was the strategic importance of batch processing in optimizing library workflows. By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining processes, librarians can effectively reallocate staff resources towards more value-added activities. This not only increases productivity but also enhances the overall user experience, aligning library services with the demands of the digital age.

The success of this session underscored our commitment to empowering library professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

I would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Prasanth, the college librarian at Providence Women’s College, for graciously extending the invitation to serve as a resource person for the National Workshop. His support and collaboration were instrumental in making this session a success.

Snaps from the Workshop

Mastering Koha: Insights from the Librarian Guide Academy’s Advanced Training

Over the course of two enriching days, I had the privilege of participating in the Librarian Guide Academy’s Online Training Program on Advanced Koha. This event, held on September 9th and 10th, was a remarkable learning opportunity, made even more special by the presence and wisdom of D.P. Tripathi Sir, the Deputy Librarian at Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, and a renowned content creator on the YouTube channel Librarian Guide.

The training program covered a spectrum of topics related to the Koha Integrated Library System, and I had the honor of conducting sessions on the following themes:

  1. Circulation: Exploring the intricacies of circulation management in Koha, we delved into the software’s capabilities and how it can streamline library operations efficiently. The session highlighted the importance of smooth circulation processes in enhancing user experiences.
  2. Patron and Bulk User Management: Understanding the significance of maintaining patron records and efficiently managing bulk user data is crucial for any librarian. During this session, we explored the tools and features that Koha offers for seamless patron and bulk user management.
  3. WhatsApp Integration for Sending Alerts: In today’s digital age, effective communication is vital. Integrating WhatsApp for sending alerts directly from Koha proved to be a fascinating discussion. We learned how libraries can harness the power of instant messaging to keep users informed and engaged.
  4. OPAC Customization: A library’s online public access catalog (OPAC) serves as the face of the library to users. This session shed light on how libraries can customize their OPACs to offer an enhanced and personalized user experience.

The online format of the training program allowed participants from diverse geographical locations to come together, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among librarians. The interactive nature of the sessions encouraged discussions, questions, and the exchange of ideas, making the learning experience incredibly valuable.

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared knowledge alongside D.P. Tripathi Sir and to have interacted with fellow librarians eager to enhance their skills. It is through such initiatives that the library community continues to grow, adapt, and serve its users better.

— Mahesh Palamuttath

National Workshop on Koha @ BCM College, Kottayam

Democratic Alliance for Knowledge Freedom – Kottayam and BCM College, Kottayam jointly organize a two-day national workshop on Koha Open Source library management system (offline) on 12-13 November 2022. It aims at giving enhanced training on Koha and all its modules.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORKSHOP

  • Initial configurations
  • Cataloguing
  • Patron management
  • Circulation management
  • Data Conversion
  • Tool module
  • Report module
  • Acquisition Module
  • Serial module
  • System Administration
  • OPAC customization
  • Koha installation on Cloud

Mode of Workshop: Hands-on training

Target People: Library Science students and professionals.

Intake Capacity: 30

Registration Fees: Rs. 1100 (Includes Lunch and Tea)

Online registration Link: https://rzp.io/l/dakf-bcm

Accommodation: Organizers will help you find accommodation in Kottayam town.

RESOURCE PERSONS FOR THE WORKSHOP

  • Dr Vimal Kumar V, Reference Assistant, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala State, India.
  • Sri. Subeesh Gopinathan, Librarian, St. Mary’s Women’s College for Teacher Education, Thiruvalla.
  • Sri. Mahesh Palamuttath, Librarian, East Campus, Sacred Heart College, Kochi.

Organizing Secretary: Jincy Philip ( Sr. Gracena ), Librarian (UGC), BCM College, Kottayam.
Contact Person: Dr. Vimal Kumar V., Secretary, DAKF, Kottayam.

Received Certificate of National Virtual Workshop on Koha

It was my pleasure to be the co-resource person in the ten-day national virtual workshop on the Koha integrated library system conducted by unity services, Kottayam, Kerala.

It was a nice experience with the seventy-five participants from various parts of India. We discussed all modules on koha, the basics of Linux, and the configuration of Koha in the cloud environment.

I am grateful to Dr. Vimal Kumar sir and Mr. Subeesh Gopinathan for choosing me as one of the tutors for the workshop.

Thank you all.

Received the certificate of appreciation

It was my pleasure to be the resource person in the four days workshop on Koha conducted by Sunniyya Arabic College Chennamangallur, Mukkam Calicut, Kerala, India.

The following were the highlights of the workshop

  • Selection and management of Open Source software in the library
  • Basic Linux training
  • Learning of Koha installation on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
  • Hands-on training of Koha modules
  • Tips for system maintenance and administration
  • How to utilize Koha community support

Thank you, Mrs. Shadiya Muhammed, the librarian, and the college for the awesome days.

Koha Workshop at Sunniyya Arabic College, Chennamangallur

I am grateful to the central library, Sunniyya Arabic College, Chennamangallur, Calicut for choosing me as the resource person for the four-day training program on the Koha Open-Source library management system organized on 26-30 October 2021. Library professionals from various institutions participated in the training program. The main aim of the program was to give Koha training and enhance confidence levels among LIS professionals.

This is yet another most important scene of my professional career, once again I thank Mrs. Shadiya Muhammed, the librarian, for choosing me as the resource person.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORKSHOP

1. Selection and management of Open-Source software in the library
2. Basic Linux training
3. Learning of Koha installation on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
4. Hands-on training of Koha modules
5. Tips for system maintenance and administration
6. How to utilize Koha community support

VENUE AND DATE

Venue: Sunniyya Arabic College
Date: 26-30 October 2021

 

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Ten Day’s National Online Workshop on Koha

Happy to announce our National level online workshop on Koha ILS begins from November 1 to 10, 2021. organized by Unity Services, Changanassery, Kottayam, Kerala.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• Live virtual classroom
• Koha on Cloud for training
• Printed course content
• Printed certificate

TOPICS

• Preparations for the implementation
• Koha installation on cloud
• System maintenance
• All Koha modules

RESOURCE PERSONS

Dr. Vimal Kumar V. has been teaching and writing about Linux and Koha for more than 15 years. A library professional and an expert in Free and Open Source software. His Koha Geek blog is trendy among the Library and Information Science community.

Mr. Mahesh Palamuttath is a tech-savvy young library professional with above 4 years of focused IT experience in Linux, Open source and Windows technology, Technologies known, Linux Debian/Ubuntu, WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Apache Web Server, MariaDB/MySQL, PHP, Javascript, XML, HTML, CSS, Web Security, cPanel, Shell Scripting, Tomcat, Koha ILS, Dspace, Vufind, Windows Server, VirtualBox, etc

Registration link: https://pages.razorpay.com/nationalkoha

Session on Getting Started with Koha in the Cloud

It is my pleasure to had a session in the 10 days of Koha online training program (Malayalam) conducted by unity services, changanassery, Kottayam, Kerala. My session was on “Getting Started with Koha in the Cloud” under which I tried to convince the candidates about the factors which are taken into consideration while working with the cloud. the following areas have been discussed in the session along with a practical demonstration.

  • How to deploy a VPS/Cloud Server
  • How to register a Domain name
  • An introduction to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Upcloud
  • Things to do after getting a VPS/Cloud server
  • Koha installation – domain based
  • Setting up FREE SSL Certificate

Of course, It was a nice experience with Dr. Vimal Kumar sir, Mr. Subeesh Gopinathan, and the entire candidates. although my session was purely a technical side, I hope candidates could have understood what are the things that are being done behind the configuration at least.

Once again, I extend my thanks to all.

Koha ILS Online Training (Malayalam)

Unity Services Changanassery conducting online training on Koha ILS from October 1 to 10. The training will teach you the preparations for installing koha, basics of Linux, detailed study of all modules, data security provisions, and how to handle the Malayalam language in Koha software.

It is my pleasure to be the backend support for the cloud-based koha platform for the training program

Besides, you will be provided a Koha user guide (Unleashing Koha: the complete library solution)

Resource Persons

Dr. Vimal Kumar V has been teaching and writing about Linux and Koha for more than 15 years. A library professional and an expert in Free and Open Source software. His Koha Geek blog is trendy among the Library and Information Science community.

Mr. Subeesh Gopinathan is a tech-savvy young library professional. He is interested in knowing and understanding technology changes. He explores and experiments the Linux-based operating systems and Open Source solutions in libraries. Also acts as a resource person for Koha training programs.

Register on https://pages.razorpay.com/koha

The registration fee is Rs.600

The last date for registration is September 28, 202

For more information call, Subeesh Gopinathan 8547833736