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