Koha can automate several Library functions.:
Cataloging
Maintaining a card cataloging system - creating/editing cards, indexing and sorting - can be tedious.
With Koha, cataloging is much easier.
You will save classification and data entry effort by using the copy cataloging feature in Koha. Koha can connect to MARC databases like the Library of Congress Z39.50 database and download MARC records.
It is easy to share records with other libraries using the import and export tools available in Koha.
You will use authority files to control data quality. Duplicate checks on ISBN and bar code numbers are built-in.
Pre-built pick lists for shelves, collections, branch, item-types etc. help speed up data entry.
Koha's Cataloging module can be used independently or with Acquisitions and Serials modules in an integrated fashion.
Patrons
Koha's patrons module allows for implementation of various membership policies.
Koha can automatically calculate membership expiry dates, collect membership dues and enforce circulation and fine policies linked to each membership type.
Reporting
Creating statistical and other reports from paper based circulation, patron and catalog datbases is error-prone and tedious.
With Koha's flexible reporting module, you will create reports in a flash. The reports can be saved and reused at any time.
The data can be viewed online or can be downloaded in excel or other formats for deeper analysis.
You can also schedule these reports to be generated and emailed to a mailing list at defined frequencies.
Circulation
Koha can auto-generate accession or bar code numbers. You will use Koha's Label and Patron card tool to print item labels and patron cards.
You will use bar code or RFID technology to quickly check-in and check-out items. Koha automatically implements circulation policies like maximum concurrent loans or reservers or loan periods.
Koha will automatically calculate fines.
It will generate advance and overdue notices from pre-defined templates and Email or SMS them.
Circulation data is automatically recorded, and can be viewed in various patron and circulation screens and reports.
Koha also supports web or RFID based self check-in and check-out.
Koha can also automatically set up Inter library loans (ILL) or transfers.
Serials
Koha's Serials module allows for creation of Serials Subscriptions.
Koha then tracks the subscriptions for delays. Claim letters are automatically generated from pre-defined templates and emailed to vendors.
Subscriptions about to expire are also automatically tracked.
Serials is integrated with Cataloging such that when items are received they enter the catalog directly from the Serials module.
Koha's Routing Lists features helps with circulating serial items to a pre-defined and ordered set of patrons.
Acquisitions
In Koha's Acquisitions module, you can enter budgets, vendors and orders.
Koha automatically enforces budget limits, and calculates order totals incorporating vendor discounts and exchange rates.
It then tracks open orders for delays. Claim letters are automatically generated and emailed to vendors.
Acquisitions is integrated with cataloging so when shipments are received, items enter the catalog directly from the acquisitions screens.
Purchase suggestions are also integrated with Acquistions, and orders can be created directly from approved suggestions.
Stock-taking
The effort involved in manual stock-taking even in a small library is very large.
Koha combined with bar code or RFID technology makes the work much easier.
Library staff simply need to upload a file with items physically available in the library at a given time. This file can be generated by using bar code or RFID scanners.
Koha can then combine this data with information on items in circulation, or those that are withdrawn or damaged or lost to generate stock-taking reports including those on items that are missing.
