Attaching files to catalog records

Users can upload documents (e.g. pdf, text, doc etc.) while cataloguing with Koha version 3.22.x onwards. Uploaded documents store in the internal directory and the link add in 856$u tag. The main advantage is that no need to store files in external storage places like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Little tweaks are necessary on the Koha system to make available this feature. Follow the steps:

Set upload path

Open the koha-conf.xml file with your favourite editor and check destination directory mentioned.

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

Find the following line, 

<upload_path>/var/lib/koha/library/uploads/</upload_path>

Restart Apache 

sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 restart

Assign OPACBaseURL

Search for OPACBaseURL in Koha > Administration > Global system preferences

e.g. http://mgucat.mgu.ac.in
e.g. http://127.0.1.1

Add the upload.pl plug-in in Bibliographic framework

Goto Administration > MARC Bibliographic Framework > Books, Booklets, Workbooks > MARC Structure

Search for Tag 856$u

Upload documents while cataloguing

Click on the plug-in icon on 856$u field.

Upload file

  Choose the file to include in 856$u field.

Click on the Choose button to add the file URL to the field.

Search in OPAC for the book and see the document link appeared in the details.

Courtesy: Indranil Das Gupta, L2C2 Technologies.