Higher Education Libraries of Massachusetts: Cataloging

Base URL- http://mcc-catalog.helmlib.org

Author searches - http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=au&q=

ISBN Searches -  http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=nb&q=
 

ISSN Searches - http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=ns&q=

ISSN Searches for eJournal - http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=ns&limit=itype:EJOURNAL&q=

OCLC Search - Advanced Staff catalog other control number - 
https://staff-catalog.helmlib.org/cgi-bin/koha/catalogue/search.pl?idx=Other-control-number,phr&q=(OCoLC)

Keyword searchers -  http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=kw,phr&q=

Note: search for LC # , barcode, and ISBN in the keyword search index

Titles searchers -  http://catalog.helmlib.org//cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=ti,phr&q=

• Pull down menu for Library Notes
• Batch way to delete or add item notes -  If you can gather a group of barcodes that require a specific note a batch item change can be completed.

Question: Does the system provide cataloging templates? Yes the Koha system there are Bibliographic templates referred to as frameworks.

Question: Does the system provide a method to search for the ISBN as a keyword?  ISBNs can be searched in the keyword field.

Question: Does the system provide a method for adding multiple volumes and copies at a time? Yes when adding an item the system allows you to create multiple copies 

Question: How do I move items from one bibliographic record to another? You can use the attach item feature under the edit menu item to move a specific barcode to a new record. 

Question: Can I merge records in KOHA?  Yes records can be merged in KOHA  click here for details.

Question: Does the system provide for multiple classification structures? Yes in the administration area classification sources are defined in the Classification sources area. LC, Dewey and Generic are currently allowed.

Question: Does Koha have a catalog version that is suitable for Mobile?  Koha has a responsive design that is suitable for mobile.

Question: Does Koha allow for a Z39.50 connection to other libraries? Yes the HELM catalog has been set up several Z39.50 connections for those tha are not OCLC members.  If you are an OCLC member we have found the need to set up a  Marc-8 connection to the catalog so that KOHA can correctly interpret diacritics and other symbols (including the copyright  symbol.

Question: How does stemming work in KOHA and do we have any control over how and when it is applied?  Stemming is set up in the searching preferences within the Administration area.Currently the RIOS group has voted to turn off stemming.  With stemming employed too many matches are included in the search results.  In addition, there is currently discussion to turn on Query Fuzzy to help with small misspellings.

Question: Will we be able to search for items by format?  The concept of format is somewhat different in Koha; instead of format the items are arranged according to item type which like circ modifier in Evergreen controls the circulation loan rules.  In the OPAC item type categories have been established to provide a way to group together  books, video, audio, etc. without considering how it circulates or to whom.  Reports have been established to count the number of bibs by item type that can be used in IPEDS..

Question:  Can I define alert messages in the system?  Messages and alerts can be defined by item type in the system.  Copy and title messages can be applied in the item record using the Materials specified field. If you are not getting these type of messages in your migrated data all you need to do is pull the records together with title, barcode, and alert message.  Sort them by message and on the other side batch changes to the marc record can be made for a specific group of barcodes.

Question: How do prefixes and suffixes get mapped in KOHA?  During migration prefixes were mapped to collections while suffixes went to the Non Public Note.  As a result of this migration it left records pretty much a mess so it was decided to suppress collections in the OPAC until they are in better shape.

Question Is it possible to suppress a bibliographic record in the catalog?  Yes to suppress a bibliographic record in the catalog edit the marc record -->go to the 942 |n field and enter 1 while in basic cataloging.

Question - What is the KOHA shelving control number?
Although not used in general within HELM, this field is included to organize materails that do not have a call number.

LCCN: Enter in the standard id field.
Pub Date: Had some luck entering in the keyword field.
​OCLC - enter just the number in the  control number field.
UPC - Enter standard id.