Learning plan Skillsets required for Koha maintenance Hardware requirements Software requirements Koha release schedules Types of Koha implementation Methods of Koha installation How to update with changes in Koha.

1. Preparations for Koha
implementation
Dr Vimal Kumar V
Technical Assistant
Mahatma Gandhi University Library
Kottayam, Kerala-686 560
http://vimalkumar.infoWebinar organised on 19 September 2020 organised by Kerala Library Association-Kottayam Region

2. We will learn about
Skillsets required for Koha maintenance
Hardware requirements
Software requirements
Koha release schedules
Types of Koha implementation
Methods of Koha installation
How to update with changes in Koha.

3. Rise of Koha
As a comprehensive ILS,
Digital library,
Content Management system,
More integration options.

4. Koha implementation: various contexts
Migration from legacy automation software to Koha.
Upgrade from a very old version of Koha to latest.
Koha installation from scratch.

5. Koha support
Community support
Community support via documentation, discussion forums
and volunteers.
Commercial support
Koha support based on payment.
Through freelancers and companies.
Image courtesy: news aktuell

6. Koha is Open Source or Free Software?
Information courtesy: Thomas de Lazzari

7. Technical requirements
Debian / Ubuntu based Linux operating systems
MariaDB/MySQL Relational Database Management System
Apache web server
Perl
Zebra / Elasticsearch (Work is in progress).

8. Koha can install on Windows?
Koha has no Windows version.
Install Koha on Ubuntu/Debian and use Windows as a client
system.
Developers has more control on Linux based OS than
Windows.
Linux OS is suitable to host web applications.
It is difficult to run viruses/malware on Unix based system.

9. Skill Set required
➢ Linux basics
➢ Database basics (MySQL)
➢ A pinch of computer
networking!!
➢ Keep in touch with latest
updates
➢ Copy and paste skills!!
➢ Lot of curiosity!!
Image courtesy: https://theculturetrip.com

10. Linux basics
Open files using text editors
(e.g. sudo mousepad /etc/apt/sources.list)
Copy and move files and folders
Cron Job for schedule jobs
File permissions
(e.g. sudo chmod -R 777 tom.txt)

11. Debian/Ubuntu basics
Debian and Ubuntu skills
sudo command
Package management using APT
Debian package management
(e.g. dpkg -i teamviewer.deb)
Cartoon courtesy: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgrammerHumor/

12. Database management
Create and delete databases
Database backup and restore
Manage database using commands
Manage MySQL database using PhpMyAdmin
Familiarity with SQL query.

13. Mistakes from Librarian’s side
No regular update with the latest developments.
Minimal/no participation in communities (e.g. online
forums).
Libraries reluctant to use all modules with Koha.
Libraries still follow manual methods (e.g. Circulation).
No effort to acquire skill sets on Linux to manage Koha
in house.

14. Image courtesy: Linux Inside

15. Accept changes
Keep in touch with
latest developments.

16. Examples of recent changes….
Google turning off
less secure app
access to G Suite
accounts
No login using DB
username and pwd
onwards
Koha ver. 18.05
MySQL > MariaDB
MariaDB is a
community-developed fork of
the MySQL. Development is led
by some of the original
developers of MySQL, who
forked it due to concerns over
its acquisition by Oracle
Corporation.

17. Suitable Linux distributions for Koha
Developers suggest to use Debian/Ubuntu Linux.
At present Koha can’t install on RedHat/CentOS/Fedora
Linux.
Choose a Linux desktop interface (e.g. GNOME, KDE, XFCE)
match with the hardware profile.
Choose supported version of Debian/Ubuntu with Koha.

18. Linux matters
Check installation manual at Koha Wiki to know the suitable
Debian/Ubuntu version support by Koha.

19. Select suitable Linux desktop
Debian/Ubuntu Linux comes with different desktop
interfaces.
Resource hungry Linux desktops (GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon).
Lightweight Linux desktop interfaces (LXQt, XFCE).
Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu are Ubuntu flavours.
Ubuntu flavours use the same Ubuntu base and software
repositories.

20. Ubuntu GNOME desktop
Minimum computer hardware requirements: 2 GHz dual-core
processor, 4 GB RAM, 25 GB storage space.

21. Ubuntu on a low profile computer

22. Xubuntu desktop
The minimum capacity of RAM required for Xubuntu is 1 GB.
Xubuntu home page: https://xubuntu.org

23. Hardware selection for Koha
Consider budget, the number of records, users, and the
transactions to be handled by Koha.
Select suitable hardware type; desktop, workstation, server,
cloud.
Select the hardware and accessories suitable to work with
Debian/ubuntu. Visit https://certification.ubuntu.com

24. Hardware selection for Koha...
Prepare precise system configuration to buy computer
(e.g. Processor Type: Intel Core i5, Processor Speed 3.1 GHz, RAM Size: 8 GB,
Computer Memory Type: 240 GB SSD)
Buy computer preloaded with Linux/FreeDOS.
Opt SSD (Solid State Drives) over traditional HDD as storage
for fast performance.

25. A standard SSD can reading speed of about 550 MB/per
second, and write it at 520 MBps.
Price of SSD storage is a little bit higher than HDD.
SSDs for computers are available in 120 GB to 4 GB capacities.

26. Desktop vs workstation PC
Workstation PC more powerful than desktop PC.
Workstations generally use higher end hardware like
motherboards and GPUs.
Many components in a workstation keep higher standard
than what’s found in a typical desktop PC.
Branded workstation PCs; Dell Precision, Lenovo
Thinkstation, and HP Z.

27. Really need server class computer?
Libraries with good IT infrastructure can choose a
server-class computer.
Server computer built for 24x7 hours continuous working.
Server computers are not suitable for switch on in the
morning, and off in the evening.
Libraries with small size collection can choose entry-level
server computer, e.g. HP Proliant ML series tower server.

28. Install Koha on cloud
Free from hardware maintenance
inside library.
More cloud service providers
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Pay only for what you use.
Easy to create a machine type
customized for the needs. Cartoon courtesy: CloudTweaks.com

29. Koha release schedule
A major version release every six months; in May and
November. (e.g. 20.05.00, released in May 2020).
Every month a bugfix release also (e.g. 20.05.3) available.
Visit koha-community.org for release announcements and
read me file.

30. Which Koha version to follow
Stable release (20.05) - Latest release.
Old stable release (19.11) - One release behind the current
stable release.
oldoldstable (19.05) Two releases behind the current stable
release.
Unstable (Master) - For testing purpose.
Note: Stable release and Unstable release not recommended
for production systems.

31. Koha installation steps
Koha Wiki updates frequently and adds timely changes to
installation instructions.
Strictly follow Koha Wiki, https://wiki.koha-community.org
for first hand reference.
Library professionals curious to try Koha installation don’t
try on production computer!!
Find a test machine and try / use Virtual Box.

32. Methods of installation
Install using Debian/Ubuntu packages
Install using git
Install using tarball

33. Update Koha regularly
Regular updating of Linux and Koha are required to keep the
system up to date.
Debian/Ubuntu receive updates frequently.
Koha receive monthly updates.
New features and bug fixes add to the Koha when it
updates.
Expect database structure changes.

34. Find details of Koha

35. Upgrade/migration from a very old
version of Koha
Don't try to upgrade direct from very old version of
Debian/Ubuntu to latest (e.g. Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS)
Upgrading from very old versions to the latest version may
result in data loss (e.g. Koha ver 3.22 to 19.11).
Koha stops the official support for older versions after a
specific period.

36. Upgrade/migration from a very old
version of Koha...
Method I: Stage wise upgrade from one version to another;
e.g. Koha version 3.18 > 3.22, 3.22 > 16.05
Method II: Exporting of MARC, patron, circulation details and
other configurations. Import it into new Koha.

37. How request help from the Koha
community?
Koha offer various platforms to collaborate.
Include a detailed description of the error/problem in the
message.
Add a screenshot which describes the error with the message.
Mention the database server details, version of Koha and
Linux-based operating system.

38. Get updates on Koha
Koha is a community-owned project, and the development is
fast.
Always expect new changes in technical matters, features
and functions.
Koha users need to keep in touch with the developments.
Then only successful Koha management is possible.

39. Helpful resources
Koha Home page, http://koha-community.org
Koha documentation, koha-community.org/documentation
Koha Community Newsletter
Release notes
Koha Wiki, https://wiki.koha-community.org

40. Helpful resources...
Bugzilla https://bugs.koha-community.org
Koha DB schema http://schema.koha-community.org
Vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/channels/kohails
Koha mailing lists
Koha Facebook groups
Blogs

41. Conclusion
Need good home work for the Koha implementation
Libraries need good technical support to maintain Koha
Koha users need more commitment
Learning and sharing culture is necessary

42. Thank you….
Feel free to ask questions.
/vimal0212
/vimal.kumar.vazhappally
http://vimalkumar.info
vimalibre@gmail.com
To buy the book, visit
http://kohageek.blogspot.com