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Using Koha for Basic Circulation Tasks and the Koha OPAC for Common Customer Transactions


This handout is meant to help you do some of the common circulation tasks in Koha. Full documentation can be found at http://koha.org/documentation/

There is a good list of FAQ’s about using Koha at http://koha.org/documentation/faq

Note about testing: When using the Koha test server, rememberthat there is limited data. I recommend creating a patron record for yourself and writing down your barcode and password. You can then check out books , place holds and look at your account in the OPAC as if you are a customer. You can also see yourself from the staff perspective. Preloaded barcodes are in the box below. Since others are using this test database, they might not all work.• Patron barcodes that should work are 6501-6522
• Item barcodes that should work are 7501-7522
• Catalog searches use the holdings of several branch libraries

To create a patron:

1. Click on Patrons in the upper menu bar (or in the left hand column)

2. Click the New button, and choose Patrons from the dropdown list.

3. Fill in at least therequired fields (those in red) and click the Save button at the bottom.
Note about test server: There seems to be a problem with the Message Preferences box so I suggest looking at what’s possible but not clicking in the box before you have Saved your patron or you may have to re-enter all the patron data again.


To bring up a patron record:

1. From the Home screen type a name orbarcode into thesearch box underneath Patrons
You can also get to a patron search box by clicking Patrons in the upper menu bar

2. In the results list, click on the patron you are looking for to bring up their entire record.

3. Check out the tabs on the left hand side of the patron record to see the other patron information and common tasks you can easily access.


To check outan item:

1. From the Home screen type a name or barcode into the box underneath Circulation
You can also get to a circulation search box by clicking Circulation in the upper menu bar.

2. When the patron record comes up, type the item barcode in the Enter item barcode box.
You can specify a due date or add a message for other librarians or just for the patron from thisscreen.

3. Once you click the Check Out button, the patrons checked out items and Holds will appear at the bottom of the screen. Notice that you can also:

o Renew

o Check In items

o Manage Holds.


To renew an item:

1. Bring up the patron’s record and click the Renew box in the field next to the book you want to Renew then click the Renew or Return Checked Itemsbutton.


To check in an item:

Checking in an item can be done from multiple places:

1. Click on Circulation on the top menu bar and choose Check In under the top search box for a quick single item check-in enter the item barcode in the box

2. From the Home screen, click on Check In listed under Circulation on the left side and use the Check In box that sits below the grayhorizontal bar.

a. Enter a barcode in the box. You may also

← Forgive overdue charges

← Use the Dropbox mode (If you are checking in items returned after the library closed the previous night (or after a holiday closing) you can check the Dropbox mode option to have the system ignore any fines that may have been accrued while the library was closed.)

a. Youmay continue checking in items by entering barcodes in the Check In box and pressing your Enter key (or clicking the Submit button)

3. From a patron record, check the Check In box and click the Renew or Return checked items button in the table at the bottom of the patron screen.


To place a hold:

There are multiple places to place holds. This walks you through one way n the circ...