Koha System

Koha Setup Overview — All the Ways to Get Started

A complete overview of how to set up Koha library software. Covers AWS launch, self-install, migration from another ILS, configuration, and training — with links to each guide.

May 08, 2026 4 min read

Getting Koha running for your library involves a few distinct phases. This hub links to every guide you need, in the order you need them.

Step 0: Decide How You’ll Run Koha

Before you set up anything, choose your hosting model. This affects everything else.

Option	Time to Running	Technical Skill	Guide
KohaSupport Free on AWS	5 minutes	None	AWS Marketplace →
KohaSupport Standard on AWS	5 minutes	None	AWS Marketplace →
Self-install on Ubuntu	Hours–Days	Linux admin skills	Install guide →
Third-party managed hosting	Days	None	Contact a hosting provider

Not sure which? See: Koha Hosting Options — Full Comparison

Step 1: Launch or Install Koha

Launch on AWS (Recommended for Most Libraries)

KohaSupport deploys Koha on your AWS account — pre-configured, ready in minutes:

Go to AWS Marketplace → KohaSupport
Click Continue to Subscribe
Accept terms and click Continue to Configuration
Select your region and instance size
Click Launch — Koha is running

Standard Self-Service Launch Checklist →

Self-Install on Ubuntu

If you prefer to run Koha on your own Linux server:

How to Install Koha on Ubuntu →

Step 2: Post-Installation Configuration

After Koha is running, complete initial configuration:

Essential configuration steps:

Complete the Koha web installer (database setup, admin account)
Set your library’s name and basic system preferences
Create branches (library locations)
Create item types (Book, DVD, E-Book, etc.)
Create shelving locations (General Stacks, Reference, etc.)
Create patron categories (Student, Faculty, Community, etc.)
Define circulation rules (loan periods, renewals, holds, fines)

Step 3: Set Up SSL and Custom Domain (Production)

For a live library, set up a custom domain and HTTPS:

How to Set Up SSL and a Custom Domain for Koha →

Step 4: Import Your Collection

New Library (No Existing Data)

If you’re starting from scratch:

Use Z39.50 copy cataloging to import MARC records for items as you catalog them
How to Add Z39.50 Servers in Koha →

Migrating from Another ILS

If you’re moving from Sierra, Evergreen, Millennium, Alma, or another system:

Migrate to Koha from Other ILS Systems →

Migration phases:

Export MARC records from your current system
Clean and map the data
Import via Koha’s batch import tool
Import patron records (CSV)
Validate and spot-check

Step 5: Ongoing Cataloging with Z39.50

Set up copy cataloging to import MARC records from Library of Congress, OCLC, and other sources:

Step 6: Customize Your OPAC

Give your library a branded public catalog:

Step 7: Configure Email and Notifications

Set up automated patron notifications (due date reminders, hold ready notices, overdue alerts):

How to Configure Email/SMTP in Koha →

Step 8: Staff Training

Before going live, train your staff:

Step 9: Go Live Checklist

Before opening to patrons:

Ongoing Operations

After go-live:

Task	Guide
Back up your database	How to Back Up Koha →
Upgrade Koha to new version	How to Upgrade Koha AMI →
Monitor performance	Koha Monitoring and Maintenance →
Security best practices	Koha Security Best Practices →
Performance optimization	Koha Performance Optimization →