E-Books Attaching files to catalog records

 

E-Books Attaching files to catalog records 

1. Enable File Attachment Feature: Ensure that the file attachment feature is enabled in your Koha system. This feature might need to be activated or configured by a system administrator. Check the system preferences related to file attachments and ensure they are set appropriately.

2. Configure Internal Directory: Determine the internal directory where uploaded documents will be stored. This directory should be accessible by the Koha system and should have appropriate permissions set to allow for file storage and retrieval.

3. Modify MARC Framework: Adjust the MARC framework to include a field for storing links to attached documents. Typically, this involves modifying the MARC structure to accommodate a field for storing URLs or file paths. The 856$u tag is commonly used for this purpose.

4. Cataloging Interface Tweaks: Make necessary tweaks to the cataloging interface to allow users to upload documents while cataloging. This may involve adding a file upload field to the cataloging form and integrating it with the MARC framework.

5. Handle File Uploads: Develop or configure functionality to handle file uploads within Koha. This includes processing uploaded files, storing them in the designated internal directory, and updating the catalog records with the appropriate links in the 856$u tag.

6. Testing and Training: Test the file attachment feature to ensure it functions correctly. Provide training to users on how to upload documents while cataloging and how to access attached documents when viewing catalog records.

7. Documentation and Support: Document the file attachment feature and provide support resources for users who may encounter issues or have questions about using this functionality.

By following these steps, users can upload documents while cataloging in Koha version 3.22.x onwards, and these documents will be stored internally with links added to the catalog records for easy access.

Set upload path

Open the koha-conf.xml file with your favourite editor and check destination directory mentioned.

sudo mousepad /etc/koha/sites/library/koha-conf.xml

Find the following line, 

<upload_path>/var/lib/koha/library/uploads/</upload_path>

Restart Apache 

sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 restart

Assign OPACBaseURL

Search for OPACBaseURL in Koha > Administration > Global system preferences

e.g. http://mgucat.mgu.ac.in
e.g. http://127.0.1.1

Add the upload.pl plug-in in Bibliographic framework

Goto Administration > MARC Bibliographic Framework > Books, Booklets, Workbooks > MARC Structure

Search for Tag 856$u

Upload documents while cataloguing

Click on the plug-in icon on 856$u field.

Upload file

  Choose the file to include in 856$u field.

Click on the Choose button to add the file URL to the field.

Search in OPAC for the book and see the document link appears in the details.