Melodie-
I have used Koha with Class in my cataloging class and the students loved it.
There is a cataloging module, like in most ILSs, and students were able to
create new MARC bib records (original cataloging), import MARC records from LC's
online database (copy cataloging) and make changes to those records in Koha. We
didn't import authority records.

In the circulation module, students set up all the circulation rules for
patrons.

Koha offered students hands-on experience with an ILS and, I believe, they
benefited greatly from it. Working with electronic records seemed to help them
understand how encoding works, they can see results in the OPAC, and finally
make the "ah ha" realization of how it all works.

One advantage of using Koha with Class is that it is provided by LibLime and
they set up the server side of the software. This has the advantage that you
don't have to mess with the server side, but at times, I wanted to get into that
side and make adjustments.

My only complaint with version 2.0 that it did not offer a Dublin Core or
non-MARC environment, but I believe that the latest version 3.0 may now accept
multiple encoding formats.

Oh, I should mention, that I had to be persistent with LibLime to get our UA's
installation, but they did come through. Since they provide this as a courtesy
and free service, we fall behind their paying customers, as expected.

Marly Helm
University of Arizona
Arizona State Museum Library
520-621-4695 (wk)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion List for issues related to cataloging & metadata
education & training [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Frances,
Melodie
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 12:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [eduCAT] koha users?


Is anyone here using Koha for their class? If so, how would you rate it
- pros cons etc if you are willing. I'm trying to get a handle on what
all and exactly it can do - I would LOVE for students to be able to
create their own catalog/database which they can then put marc records
into but I'm not clear if it can do this or not ....



Any comments would be greatly welcomed!!



thanks



Melodie Morgan Frances

Head of Cataloging

Graduate Theological Union

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510-649-2521