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KOHA FEATURE / CATALOGUING

Professional Cataloguing & Metadata Management.

Koha provides a structured cataloguing environment for creating, maintaining, and managing bibliographic and item records while supporting standards-based metadata, authority control, copy cataloguing, and efficient record processing.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
24510
Title StatementThe library catalogue system
1001_
AuthorKoha Community
650_0
SubjectLibrary automation
ITEMS
STATUSAvailable

ABOUT KOHA CATALOGUING

Build consistent, structured library records.

Cataloguing brings bibliographic and item information together in a structured, consistent environment. Koha supports the complete cataloguing workflow with standards-based tools for record creation, authority control, copy cataloguing, and metadata management—enabling libraries to build discoverable, high-quality collections.

CORE CAPABILITIES

Complete control over bibliographic and item metadata.

MARC21 Cataloguing

Create and maintain structured MARC bibliographic records with complete field and indicator control.

Item Management

Manage item-level information, locations, statuses, barcodes and collection details.

Authority Control

Maintain controlled names, subjects and other authority relationships for consistency and discovery.

Copy Cataloguing

Use Z39.50 and SRU services to locate and import existing bibliographic records where available.

Batch Editing

Process multiple records efficiently for routine metadata maintenance and updates.

Classification & Call Numbers

Support classification and call-number workflows appropriate to library collections and standards.

CATALOGUING WORKFLOW

From bibliographic data to a usable library record.

  1. 01Create RecordStart a new record or search for existing records to enhance.
  2. 02Apply MetadataAdd bibliographic and descriptive data using MARC fields and frameworks.
  3. 03Control AuthoritiesLink to authority records for consistent names, subjects and references.
  4. 04Add ItemsDefine item-level details including locations, barcodes, statuses and collection information.
  5. 05Publish & DiscoverSave and validate the record, making it available in the catalogue and OPAC.

STANDARDS & METADATA

Built on established library standards.

Koha cataloguing is built on international library standards including MARC21 and UNIMARC formats. The system supports Z39.50 and SRU protocols for copy cataloguing, enabling libraries to leverage shared cataloguing data and maintain consistent metadata across their collections.

Authority records ensure that names, subjects, and references are controlled and consistent, improving both discovery and the accuracy of bibliographic relationships.

LIBRARY WORKFLOW VALUE

Results that matter to your library.

Consistent Records

Authority control and standards-based workflows ensure uniform, high-quality metadata across your collection.

Better Discovery

Structured metadata and controlled vocabularies improve search relevance and user experience in the OPAC.

Reduced Duplication

Copy cataloguing and Z39.50/SRU services minimize duplicate work and accelerate record creation.

Metadata Quality

Validation tools and guided workflows help maintain standards compliance and data integrity.

Efficient Operations

Batch editing and automated tools streamline routine cataloguing tasks and free staff for complex work.

System Integration

Well-maintained bibliographic and item records integrate seamlessly with circulation, acquisitions, and OPAC systems.

CAPABILITY TO PRACTICE

Need help designing cataloguing workflows?

Koha provides the cataloguing capability. Professional implementation, metadata configuration, migration, and workflow support are available through Services.

Explore Services →