To train the Leavenworth Public Library, we reviewed and updated our training materials and videos, previously posted in May 2010 for Osage City. This list will be added to as time allows for the recording and re-recording of videos.
Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Training
- Overview
- About Your Account Handout 10 pages
An Introduction to the NExpress (Koha) Staff Client (.doc)
Part 1 – Checking items in:
- Video – Checking Items In (8/10)
- Video – Checking Items In with Holds (8/10)
Part 2 – Checking items out:
- Video – Checking Items Out (8/10)
- Video – Patron Account features in Staff Client, with Checking out demonstrated (11/09)
Part 3 – Issuing new cards and editing patron records:
- Issuing Library Cards Handout (step-by-step)
- Editing Patrons Handout
Part 4 – Managing Holds
- Managing Holds in NExpress (.pdf) – Complete instructions
- Run and Pull Pick List (video 9/10)
- Check in and Confirm Holds (9/10) – for more examples, see the Checking Items with Holds video
- Homework Posts:
- Transfers to Receive Report – How-to instructions for using this Circulation report to see what items are in transit to your location. Useful for tracking items mis-routed on the Courier.
- Managing the Holds Shelf - How-to instructions for using the Holds Awaiting Pick Up circulation report to clear out expired holds from your shelf. The Holds Awaiting Pick Up report is not yet working as expected. PTFS is working on the issue.
Part 5 – Searching
- Overview of the keyword and advanced search features of the Staff Client
- Keyword searching hints -
- add “leavenwrth” or “leavenworth” to improve results
- Look for and use UNIQUE terms. Is the author’s last name unusual, like “Evanovich”? Is there a term like “playaway” that will improve results?
- As in Google, use a combination of keywords from the title, series and author name
- Keyword searching looks at All fields of All attached items, even mis-cataloged ones
- Advanced searching hints
- Title, Author, Series Title searches are exact, so spelling counts but you get faster results
- Look for unique or unusual subject headings to help narrow your search – “cookery for two”
- Koha can’t find what is NOT in the record. If a series title isn’t in the record, no amount of searching will find the book.
- Use Amazon, use ISBN numbers, use What’s Next in the Series, use NoveList (if available)
- Keyword searching hints -
Part 6 – Placing a Hold:
- Video and Post – Known Issues: Placing Holds (3/09)
- Placing a hold in the OPAC
- Placing holds in the Staff Client (silent videos from 9/10)
Training Scenarios (New for Leavenworth training)
Cataloging Training Materials (reminder: they are permanently located on this page)
- Cataloging and Classifying Items in Koha (includes itypes and ccodes) – Revised 8/10
- Cataloging Overview Presentation (view online) – Revised 8/10
- Adding an Item to an Existing Bibliographic Record – Revised 8/10
- Koha Cataloging Check List – Revised 8/10
- Finding and Importing Records from the Hybrid KLC – Revised 8/10
- Staging MARC Records for Import – Revised 8/10
- Creating Fast Add and Brief Records for ILL
Advanced Training and Homework Posts:
- Managing Suggestions for Purchase - overview video 9/10
- Must be logged in as TECH or DIRECTOR
- Step-by-step instructions post, with a video from Royce at Tonganoxie Public Library
- Patrons are alerted the next time they log into their account of your decision
- Currently, there are 245 requests! Patrons DO use this feature.
- Searching and Search Training and Search-related Bugs and Barcode Searching- These posts include videos and exercises to familiarize yourselves with the search capabilities of Koha’s Staff Client.
NOTE: Do not include the special characters ( ! ? & ) in searches, it may skew results. - What to do with Agent Interlibrary Loans – Best practices
- Tags and the Tag Cloud – Ideas from Susan at Hiawatha
- Handling Patron Accounts and Fines – Best practices
- NExpress FAQs
Additional materials created for Oskaloosa visit, October 5, 2010: