The DBText borrower database needs to be converted into a comma delimited file in the proper format to be loaded into Koha via Import Patrons in the Tools menu. Most of the fields can be mapped into the corresponding Koha fields. The branch code and an initial password need to be added. We have added a number of fields to DBText that will be needed by Koha.
DBTextMembers is patterned after DBTextCheck. It can be downloaded here. It does some formatting checks on phone numbers and dates.
Koha is a full-featured open-source ILS. Developed initially in New Zealand by Katipo Communications Ltd and first deployed in January of 2000 for Horowhenua Library Trust, it is currently maintained by a team of software providers and library technology staff from around the globe. More information can be found at the Koha web site
DBTextCheck will check exported borrower, catalog or loans files for blank records or missing required fields. The name of the file to be checked is the only required parameter. Blank record output defaults to DBTblanks.csv. Records missing required fields will be written to DBTinvalid.csv.
DBTextCheck will produce a summary of each field showing the field name, blank count, maximum length and number of CR/LFs in the field. DBTextCheck can be downloaded here Continue reading
These are the various categories and codes used by Koha to describe patrons and items in the catalog.
DBText originally didn’t differentiate borrowers; as long as their expiration date hadn’t passed, they could take out books. I added a select-code field into which we could put various tags such as: IND, FAM, BoD, Vol, PUB PR and a whole bunch of others whose meanings have been lost.
Koha has patron categories, which control dues and borrowing profiles (how many and for how long.) We can add attributes to be used by search filters. Many of the select codes above will go here with descriptions.
We have been running DBText for Libraries for about seven years. During that time a lot of garbage has accumulated in the database. There are three areas of concern. I will be covering them and my solutions later. Continue reading