APIs & Web Services
Support integration between Koha and external applications or institutional services according to available interfaces and permissions.
KOHA INTEGRATIONS / INTEROPERABILITY
Connected Koha. Open Integration.
Connect Koha with discovery services, identity systems, library technologies, institutional platforms, and external services through open standards, APIs, and established interoperability protocols.
KOHA COREApplication Layer
REST / APIStandardsServices
APIs / Web ServicesExternal Systems
Z39.50 / SRUBibliographic Exchange
OAI-PMHMetadata Harvesting
SIP2 / NCIPLibrary Devices
LDAP / SSOIdentity Services
RFID / BarcodeSelf-Checkout
ABOUT KOHA INTEGRATIONS
Open Standards. Flexible Connectivity.
Koha can participate in wider library and institutional technology environments through APIs, protocols, authentication mechanisms, and device or system integrations.
Integration allows Koha to exchange information or interoperate with other systems rather than operating as an isolated application.
KOHA INTEGRATION BOUNDARY
Systems connect through defined technical layers.
USERSStaff & Patrons
↓
WEB INTERFACESOPAC & Staff Interfaces
↓
KOHA APPLICATIONData · Workflows · Services
↓
INTEGRATION BOUNDARYREST / APIZ39.50SRUOAI-PMHSIP2NCIPAuthenticationExternal Services
↓
Discovery ServicesInstitutional SystemsAuthenticationRFIDSelf-CheckoutDigital / Repository PlatformsPayment Systems
INTEGRATION CATEGORIES
Open interfaces for connected library environments.
Z39.50 / SRU
Support bibliographic searching, retrieval, and copy-cataloguing workflows where configured.
OAI-PMH
Expose metadata for harvesting by discovery and aggregation services where deployed.
SIP2 / NCIP
Support interoperability with circulation-related systems, self-service environments, and library technology where supported.
LDAP / SSO
Connect Koha with institutional authentication or directory services where configured.
RFID, Barcode & Self-Service
Connect physical library technology and self-service environments where device compatibility is defined.
APIs & WEB SERVICES
Interfaces for practical system-to-system work.
API-based integration can allow external applications and services to interact with Koha according to available interfaces, permissions, and implementation requirements.
Examples include institutional applications, discovery interfaces, patron-facing services, data exchange, and workflow integration.
LIBRARY STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS
Established ways to exchange information.
MARC21Bibliographic metadata exchange and structured catalogue records.
Z39.50Remote bibliographic searching and record retrieval.
SRUSearch and retrieval through a web-oriented protocol.
OAI-PMHMetadata harvesting for discovery and aggregation services.
SIP2Interoperability with circulation and self-service equipment.
NCIPStandardized communication for library service interoperability.
IDENTITY & ACCESS
Authentication & Identity Integration.
Koha environments can integrate with institutional authentication and directory services where configured. LDAP, Single Sign-On, institutional identity, and directory services can support staff and patron authentication according to the deployment architecture.
DEVICES & SELF-SERVICE
Library Devices & Self-Service.
Integration possibilities can involve RFID, barcode scanners, self-checkout, circulation equipment, and other library devices where supported interfaces, network settings, and vendor compatibility are established.
EXTERNAL & INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEMS
Connect Koha with the wider technology environment.
Discovery Services
Connect catalogue data and discovery environments.
Institutional Systems
Support interaction with wider institutional applications where requirements are defined.
Authentication Services
Connect with directory and identity infrastructure.
Digital & Repository Platforms
Support metadata and data exchange with related library technology environments where appropriate.
Self-Service Technologies
Connect circulation-related workflows with supported devices and services.
Data Exchange Services
Exchange or expose information through appropriate standards, interfaces, and configured workflows.
INTEGRATION WORKFLOW
From a requirement to a monitored connection.
- 01Identify RequirementClarify the service, data, or device need.
- 02Select InterfaceChoose an appropriate protocol or interface.
- 03Configure IntegrationSet authentication, permissions, and data flow.
- 04Test Data FlowValidate exchange, transactions, and error handling.
- 05Monitor OperationReview performance, ownership, and support needs.
TECHNICAL NOTE
Integration Depends on Architecture & Configuration.
Successful integration depends on system requirements, supported interfaces, protocol compatibility, authentication architecture, data formats, network configuration, permissions, vendor or device compatibility, testing, and validation.
TECHNOLOGY VALUE
Connectivity that supports sustainable library services.
Open Connectivity
Reduce dependence on isolated systems.
Better Interoperability
Connect Koha with appropriate library and institutional technologies.
Flexible Architecture
Support different technology environments and deployment requirements.
Standards-Based Exchange
Use established protocols and structured data where appropriate.
Connected User Services
Support discovery, authentication, self-service, and related services.
Sustainable Integration
Build integrations around documented requirements and maintainable interfaces.
CAPABILITY TO PRACTICE
Planning a Koha Integration?
Get professional assistance reviewing integration requirements, architecture, interoperability protocols, authentication, data exchange, and technology workflows.