Koha Training Resources and Courses

Whether you’re new to Koha or looking to master advanced features, comprehensive training ensures your library staff can use the system effectively. This guide covers free and paid training options, certification programs, and self-paced learning resources.

KohaSupport Training Programs

Professional Training Services

KohaSupport offers customized training for libraries of all sizes:

On-Site Training

What’s Included:

Duration: 1-5 days (based on modules covered)

Pricing:

Best for: Libraries implementing Koha, staff wanting intensive hands-on training, teams needing customized workflows

Schedule: support@kohasupport.com

Virtual Live Training

What’s Included:

Duration: 2-4 hour sessions over 2-4 weeks

Pricing:

Best for: Remote teams, budget-conscious libraries, ongoing training needs, geographically dispersed staff

Schedule: support@kohasupport.com

Self-Paced Online Courses

KohaSupport Academy offers video-based courses:

Available Courses:

Features:

Enroll: academy.kohasupport.com

Training Curriculum by Role

Circulation Staff Training

Module 1: Basic Circulation (4 hours)

Module 2: Advanced Circulation (4 hours)

Module 3: Circulation Troubleshooting (2 hours)

Cataloging Staff Training

Module 1: Cataloging Fundamentals (6 hours)

Module 2: Advanced Cataloging (8 hours)

Module 3: Koha MARC Framework Customization (4 hours)

Acquisitions Staff Training

Module 1: Acquisitions Basics (6 hours)

Module 2: Advanced Acquisitions (4 hours)

Serials Staff Training

Module 1: Serials Management (6 hours)

Reference and OPAC Training

Module 1: OPAC Features for Public Services (3 hours)

Module 2: Reference Tools in Koha (3 hours)

Administrator Training

Module 1: System Administration Basics (8 hours)

Module 2: Advanced Administration (8 hours)

Module 3: Reports and Analytics (6 hours)

Module 4: System Maintenance (4 hours)

Free Training Resources

Official Koha Documentation

Koha Manual

Content Includes:

Video Tutorials

KohaSupport YouTube Channel

Popular Playlists:

Community Webinars

Koha-US Conference

Monthly Community Calls

Koha Wiki and Knowledge Base

Community Wiki

KohaSupport Knowledge Base

Koha Hosting and Support Companies

Most Koha support companies offer training:

ByWater Solutions

PTFS Europe

Equinox Open Library Initiative

Theke Solutions

Training Consultants

Independent Koha trainers for specialized needs:

Services Offered:

Finding Trainers:

Koha Certification Programs

KohaSupport Certified Professional

Certification Levels:

1. Certified Koha User (CKU)

Requirements:

Cost: $199 (includes training materials and exam)

Validity: 2 years (renewal via continuing education or re-exam)

Benefits:

2. Certified Koha Administrator (CKA)

Requirements:

Cost: $499 (includes advanced training and exam)

Validity: 3 years

Benefits:

3. Certified Koha Developer (CKD)

Requirements:

Cost: $799 (includes developer training and mentorship)

Validity: 3 years

Benefits:

Enroll: certification@kohasupport.com

Community Certifications

Koha-US Certification

Training for Specific Library Types

Public Libraries

Focus Areas:

Recommended Training:

Academic Libraries

Focus Areas:

Recommended Training:

School Libraries

Focus Areas:

Recommended Training:

Special Libraries

Focus Areas:

Recommended Training:

Self-Paced Learning Paths

Path 1: New Koha User (Total: 20 hours)

Week 1: Getting Oriented (5 hours)

Week 2: Core Functions (5 hours)

Week 3: OPAC and Reports (5 hours)

Week 4: Advanced Topics (5 hours)

Path 2: Koha Administrator (Total: 40 hours)

Month 1: Foundations (15 hours)

Month 2: Advanced Configuration (15 hours)

Month 3: Reporting and Maintenance (10 hours)

Path 3: Koha Developer (Total: 80+ hours)

Prerequisites:

Phase 1: Koha Architecture (20 hours)

Phase 2: Contributing (30 hours)

Phase 3: Feature Development (30+ hours)

Training Resources by Format

Books and eBooks

“Koha Library Software: A Complete Guide” (example title)

“Mastering Koha Cataloging” (example title)

Interactive Courses

Platforms:

Podcasts and Audio

Koha Conversations (example podcast)

Training Best Practices

Before Training

Preparation (2-4 weeks before):

Communication:

During Training

Engagement Strategies:

Documentation:

After Training

Reinforcement (first 30 days):

Ongoing Learning:

Custom Training Development

Creating Internal Training Programs

Building a Train-the-Trainer System:

  1. Identify Super Users
  2. Develop Training Materials
  3. Schedule Regular Training
  4. Measure Effectiveness

Requesting Custom Training from KohaSupport

Custom Curriculum Development:

Process:

  1. Needs Assessment (1-hour call)
  2. Curriculum Proposal (1 week turnaround)
  3. Content Development (2-4 weeks)
  4. Delivery and Iteration (based on schedule)

Investment:

Contact: support@kohasupport.com

Training ROI and Impact

Measuring Training Success

Key Metrics:

Typical Results:

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Investment:

Returns:

Payback Period: Typically 6-12 months for comprehensive training programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need programming skills to use Koha?

No. Basic library staff need zero programming knowledge. Administration requires no coding but benefits from understanding concepts like Boolean logic and regular expressions. Only developers modifying Koha code need programming skills.

How long does it take to learn Koha?

Basic proficiency: 8-12 hours for circulation staff Cataloging competency: 20-30 hours including MARC knowledge System administration: 40-60 hours for comprehensive knowledge Developer level: 100+ hours plus programming prerequisites

Is training included with KohaSupport hosting?

Basic orientation (2-4 hours) is included with implementation. Comprehensive training is additional but discounted for hosting clients.

Can I get training in languages other than English?

KohaSupport offers training in English and Spanish. Other Koha support providers offer French, German, Portuguese, and many other languages.

What if I need training after migration?

Post-migration training is standard. Most providers include 20-40 hours of training in migration projects. Additional training is available as needed.

How do I train staff who are resistant to change?

Start with the benefits (easier workflows, better patron service). Provide extra support and one-on-one coaching. Celebrate small wins. Consider peer training where enthusiastic staff help others.

Can training be tailored for part-time staff?

Yes. We offer condensed training focused on specific tasks (e.g., “circulation only” for part-time desk staff). Modules can be 2-4 hours instead of comprehensive programs.

Do you offer refresher training?

Yes. We recommend annual refresher sessions, especially after major Koha version upgrades. These focus on new features and workflow improvements.

Get Started with Koha Training Today

Free Resources:

Professional Training:

Questions? Contact our training team: support@kohasupport.com

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