Course Overview

Automation of Information Institutions using Koha-ILS and MARC21

⏱ Duration: 4 Days (Intensive Workshop) | In-person Hands-on Lab Training

Instructor

• Lead Instructor: Dr. Md. Milan Khan (Librarian, DIU; PhD in LIS, Univ. of Kalyani)
• Master Trainer: Md. Abdul Monnaf Sarker (Sr. Library Officer, DIU; PGDIT, JU)
• Co-Trainer: Syeda Aklima Begum (Library Officer, DIU; 20 years cataloging experience)
• Program Assist: Umme Ahasan (Library Officer, DIU)

Course Description 

This professional course is designed to equip library professionals and fresh graduates with specialized skills in library automation. It focuses on the installation, configuration, and management of Koha, the leading open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), combined with MARC21 bibliographic standards. The training addresses the need for modern digital hubs by teaching participants how to transition traditional libraries into automated, searchable, and interoperable systems.

Evidence of Demand

• Global Standard: Library automation is rapidly becoming a global standard for compliance and efficiency in academic and research institutions.
• National Need: Institutions in Bangladesh are actively seeking professionals who can transition traditional libraries into automated, searchable digital hubs.
• Mandatory Skill: For planning and managing libraries in universities, research institutes, and government organizations, knowledge of Koha and MARC21 is now considered a mandatory skill.
• Employment Gap: Employers increasingly seek professionals trained in Koha and library data standards, creating a strong demand for skills in installation, cataloging, and system administration.

Purpose and Objectives 

This course aims to equip library professionals and students with the technical skills to implement and manage automated library systems. Objectives:

• Master the installation and configuration of Koha (on Linux/Ubuntu).
• Understand bibliographic standards using the MARC21 framework.
• Learn to manage cataloging, circulation, report generation, and patron management digitally.
• Enable participants to customize OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) for user-friendly access.

Tentative Syllabus (Highlights)

• Module 1: Introduction & Installation: Linux (Ubuntu) basics, Koha Installation, Post-install setup.
• Module 2: Administration & Configuration: Global system preferences, Library setup, Patron categories.
• Module 3: Cataloging with MARC21: Creating bibliographic frameworks, Z39.50/SRU targets.
• Module 4: Circulation & Serials: Check-in/Check-out rules, Fines, Serials control.
• Module 5: Reports & Tools: SQL Reports, Label creation, Batch patron modification.
• Module 6: OPAC Customization: Branding, search optimization, user account features.

Practical & Field Work

• Hands-on Lab Training: The course is delivered as an in-person, intensive workshop with a focus on practical implementation.
• Live Installation: Participants will perform live installation and configuration of the Koha ILS server.
• Cataloging Practice: Practical assignments involve creating MARC21 records and managing library resources digitally.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Install and maintain a Koha ILS server on Linux.
• Catalog library resources using international MARC21 standards.
• Configure circulation rules, fines, and patron permissions.
• Customize the OPAC interface for institutional branding.
• Generate administrative reports using SQL queries.

Target Audience

• Library & Information Science Professionals / Students.
• IT Officers managing institutional repositories.
• Archivists and Documentation Officers.
• School/College Librarians transitioning to automation.

Entry Qualifications

• Basic computer literacy.
• Background or interest in Library Science / Information Management.
• Library professionals seeking skill upgrades.
• Minimum Age: 22 Years.

Progression Pathway 

After completing this course, learners may progress to roles such as:

• Library System Administrator
• Digital Archivist
• Information Manager
• Metadata Specialist

Assessment Criteria

• Practical Test (50%): Live installation and configuration task.
• Cataloging Assignment (30%): Creating MARC21 records.
• Quiz (20%): Theory on ILS standards.

Resource Requirements

• Facilities: Computer Lab with Internet Access, Dedicated Server/VM for practice.
• Tools: Bootable Pendrives (for Linux install).
• Materials: Course outline with documents, pad & pen.

Tentative Course Fee

• Professionals: BDT 5,500

• Students: BDT 5,000 

Course Overview

Land & Property Insights with Google Earth Pro

⏱ Duration: 40 hours, Blended (In-person and online)

Instructors

• Academic Expert: Shakil Ahmed – Lecturer, Dept. of Real Estate, DIU
• Industry Expert: Md. Mahfuzul Haq – DGM, ADDL

Course Description In today's real estate and land management industries, geospatial technology plays a crucial role in property analysis, site assessment, and urban planning. Land and Property Insights with Google Earth Pro is a practical, skill-based course designed to help professionals and enthusiasts harness the full potential of Google Earth Pro for real estate and land analysis. This course provides a step-by-step guide to using Google Earth Pro's powerful tools, including high-resolution mapping, measurement techniques, historical imagery analysis, and virtual tour creation. Learners will gain hands-on experience in property visualization, land assessment, and spatial data analysis, helping them make more informed and data-driven decisions in real estate, urban development, and infrastructure planning.

Evidence of Demand

• Growing Need: The course addresses the growing need for professionals who can leverage geospatial technology for real estate and land analysis.
• Data-Driven Decisions: As the demand for data-driven decision-making in real estate, urban planning, and land management increases, this course equips learners with essential skills to analyze, measure, and visualize land and property.
• Urbanization Challenges: With rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, professionals need expertise in property mapping, site assessment, and land use planning.
• Industry Value: This course enables graduates to tackle critical challenges such as efficient land utilization, property valuation, and environmental assessment, making them valuable assets in the real estate and urban development sectors.
• Career Enhancement: The skills gained will also enhance career opportunities in real estate development, GIS-based research, urban planning, environmental consultancy, and policy-making.

Course Objectives

• Skill Development: The course is designed to equip learners with the skills to effectively utilize Google Earth Pro for real estate analysis, land assessment, and urban planning.
• Practical Understanding: It provides a practical and hands-on approach to understanding land and property dynamics as geospatial technology becomes increasingly vital.
• Bridging the Gap: This course bridges the gap between traditional property analysis and modern digital mapping techniques, ensuring informed decision-making and efficient land utilization.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Lesson 00: Introduction
• Lesson 01: Installing Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 02: Navigating the Google Earth Pro Interface
• Lesson 03: Exploring Street View in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 04: Measurement Techniques in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 05: Exploring Historical Imagery in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 06: Using Placemarks, Polygons and Paths in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 07: Finding Directions with Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 08: Creating Elevation Profile in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 09: Creating Virtual Tours in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 10: Recording Virtual Tours in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 11: Saving High Resolution Image in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 12: Generating Viewsheds in Google Earth Pro
• Lesson 13: Analyzing Demo Project using Google Earth Pro

Practical & Field Work

• Hands-on Application: The course includes an analysis of a demo project utilizing Google Earth Pro.
• Project-Based Assessment: Practical application is evaluated through formal project work.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Navigate and utilize Google Earth Pro for real estate and land analysis.
• Install, configure, and customize Google Earth Pro settings for optimal use.
• Analyze property locations and surroundings using Street View and Historical Imagery.
• Measure land areas, distances, and elevations with precision for site assessments.
• Create and manage Placemarks, Polygons, and Paths to map properties and developments.
• Generate Viewsheds and Elevation Profiles for better land visualization.
• Find and analyze routes and accessibility for real estate and infrastructure projects.
• Capture and export high-resolution images and maps for professional reports.
• Design and record Virtual Tours to showcase properties and land developments.
• Apply Google Earth Pro tools to support real estate decision-making, planning, and policy development.

Target Audience

• Real Estate Professionals: Agents, developers, and property managers looking to enhance property visualization, site selection, and market analysis.
• Urban Planners & Land Developers: Professionals involved in infrastructure planning, zoning, and land use optimization.
• Surveyors & GIS Enthusiasts: Individuals seeking to strengthen their skills in geospatial mapping, property measurement, and topographical analysis.
• Environmental & Sustainability Experts: Professionals analyzing land use, environmental impact, and sustainable development.
• Academics & Researchers: Those working on real estate trends, urban development, and spatial data analysis.
• Students & Enthusiasts: Anyone interested in real estate, geography, GIS, or urban studies, eager to learn practical applications of Google Earth Pro.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Age: 20 years.
• Computer Skills: Basic ability to install and navigate software on a computer.
• Industry Knowledge: Fundamental knowledge of real estate, property, or urban planning concepts is preferred but not mandatory.
• Interest: No prior GIS experience is required, but an interest in geospatial analysis and mapping is beneficial.

Career Pathways

After completing this course, learners can progress to:

• Advanced GIS & Mapping Courses: Further studies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Spatial Data Analysis.
• Urban Planning & Land Management Programs: Specialized courses or degrees focusing on urban development, zoning regulations, and environmental planning.
• Real Estate & Property Valuation Certifications: Programs in real estate appraisal, land valuation, and investment analysis to strengthen credentials.

Tools & Resources

• Software: Google Earth Pro Software.
• Hardware: Computer/laptop.

Assessment Criteria

• Quizzes
• Project work
• Viva

Course Fee

• Tentative Fee: 1000 BDT