How to Install Koha Library System

A Step-by-Step Guide

Koha is an open-source integrated library system widely used by libraries worldwide. Installing Koha on an Ubuntu server ensures a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective library management solution.

Step 1: Update Ubuntu

Before installing Koha, update your system’s package lists and upgrade the installed packages to ensure a smooth installation:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 2: Add the Koha Community Repository

To install Koha, add the official Koha repository to your sources list:

echo deb http://debian.koha-community.org/koha stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/koha.list

Then, add the repository key:

wget -O- http://debian.koha-community.org/koha/gpg.asc | sudo apt-key add –

Step 3: Update System Packages

After adding the Koha repository, update your package lists to reflect the changes:

sudo apt-get update

Step 4: Install Koha

Install Koha with the following command:

sudo apt-get install koha-common

This process may take a few minutes. If prompted, press y to continue.

Step 5: Configure Koha

Modify the configuration file to set up your domain and port:

sudo gedit /etc/koha/koha-sites.conf

Find the INTRAPORT value and set it to 8001 (or another desired port). Use 8080 for IP-based installations.

Step 6: Install MySQL

Koha requires MySQL for database management. Install MySQL by running:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server

Follow the MySQL setup guide to create a database user for Koha.

Step 7: Create a Koha Instance

Enable Apache modules required by Koha:

sudo a2enmod rewrite 

sudo a2enmod cgi 

Restart Apache:

sudo service apache2 restart

Then, create a new Koha instance:

sudo koha-create –create-db instance_name

Replace instance_name with your preferred name, such as library:

sudo koha-create –create-db library

Step 8: Configure Apache Ports

Modify the Apache ports configuration:

sudo gedit /etc/apache2/ports.conf

Add the following line:

Listen 8001

Restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 9: Enable Koha Modules and Sites

Disable the default Apache site:

sudo a2dissite 000-default

Enable the necessary modules:

sudo a2enmod deflate

Enable the Koha site:

sudo a2ensite instance_name

For example:

sudo a2ensite library

Restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Restart the Memcached service:

sudo service memcached restart

Step 10: Retrieve Koha Credentials

Find your login credentials using the following command:

sudo koha-passwd instance_name

For example:

sudo koha-passwd library

Alternatively, check the configuration file:

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

Step 11: Access the Koha Web Interface

To access Koha, open your web browser and visit:

http://127.0.0.1:8001

Log in using the retrieved credentials and start configuring your library system.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully install and configure the Koha Library System on Ubuntu. Koha provides an efficient, feature-rich platform for managing library resources. Start exploring its functionalities and enhance your library’s operations today!