LINK 2.0 Koha

Plan for 4.12 Upgrade

The 4.12 Upgrade will be done on the evening of Wednesday, May 30 and will be in place for the morning of Thursday, May 31. On that morning Talking Tech calls will be delayed so that we may conduct some preliminary tests. 

Read complete details about the included features and bugs in the 4.12 Release Notes.

The following features will be included:

• Ability to limit by Adult and Book from the Advanced Search Screen
• Ability to limit by foreign language from the Advanced Search Screen
• Format limit drop down on the Main search screen
• Talking Tech Koha will now check to see if a hold is filled before the call list is sent to the Talking Tech Server
• Barcode validation

We will not turn on the barcode validation feature until Monday, June 4 in order to give library staff time to adjust to some of the other changes with this release.

We encourage staff to look at the new features in the Koha sandbox.

 

News Summary: 4.10 Problem Logs and Fixes

4.10 PROBLEM LOG

• 03-19-2012: New Problem: Refunded Overdues: If patrons pay overdue fines and then the overdue items are checked in using a back-dated check in, the system will "refund" the overdue payments. Initially it thought this was the remainder of items checked out under the CircControl bug that was fixed in the 4.10 upgrade but recents tests show that it is a result of back-dating. Admin and Liblime staff run weekly reports to clear these refunds. This problem has been reported to LibLime and appended to SCLS Support ticket 40697 (3/19/2012) (SCLS Support ticket 40697)(Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 03-09-2012: New Problem: Problems with Author search: The Author search in the drop-down box on the main page of the PAC is searching title fields as well as author fields. this is more of a problem when searching for a "corporate author," such as a band name. The Author search in the Advanced search in the PAC is fine, but the Author search in the Advanced search of the staff client is also searching additional title fields. This problem has been reported to LibLime. (SCLS Support Ticket 41891) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 03-07-2012 Update: Patrons incorrectly blocked from placing holds while in library: Patrons are also incorrectly blocked if one item on the bib was checked out at the library and another item on the bib is in transit to the library; 02-10-2012 New Problem: If there are at least two items from a library and one is Checked out and one is Waiting on the hold shelf, the patrons are being blocked from placing holds on the bib if they are in that library. They get a message that they cannot place holds on available items while inside the library, even though one item is checked out and one is on the hold shelf. This has been reported to LibLime. (SCLS Support Ticket 41788) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-22-2012 Fixed: 02-15-2012 New Problem: Some patrons receive error when placing holds: Some patrons are receiving a "500 Internal Server Error" when they attempt to place holds from outside of the library. These patrons can place holds from inside the library. Please continue to report this problem on the Problems and Questions form. Please include the patron barcode, PIN, exact text of error message, and time and date the error message was received. This problem has been reported to LibLime. (SCLS Suport Ticket 41792) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-15-2012 Update: this is also true if you are creating a new patron record using the "Copy Patron" option and manually change the expiry date. You have to save the new record first, then go back into it and manually change it again. 02-07-2012 New Problem: Expiration Date for new patron records-auto-calc is broken. The auto-calculation for the Expiration date does not work when you add new patrons. You can manually enter an expiration date and it will be saved/retained when you save the patron record. The date must be entered in the format xx/xx/xxxx. (SCLS Support ticket 41777) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-14-2012 New Problem: Patrons able to check out over 100 max limit: there is a bug in the system that allows patrons to check out over the max. cko limit for their patron category if they check out at different locations. Staff do not get the pop-up message informing them that the patron has reached the max. limit. (SCLS Support ticket 41372) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-13-2012 New Problem: Edit holds screen display for holds placed on multiple bibs: If you are placing holds on multiple bib records for a patron, you will get a "no holds found" screen display after you confirm the holds. The system is using the Edit holds screen to try and display the results of the holds placed but, since the holds were placed on multiple bib records, the display fails. That results screen looks like it was designed to display the holds for a single bib record. The holds on multiple bibs do succeed, but this situation should have the return go to the patron's holds list instead of the bib record's holds list. (SCLS Support ticket 41791) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-13-2012 New Problem: Patron searches on Circulation Checkout screen: failed patron searches (zero results) on the Circulation Checkouts screen no longer produces the message "No results found". If you get a partial results list searching from this page, you will get a New (patron) button. Clicking this button after selecting a patron category will redirect you to a "Patrons/Add xxx patron" screen. We have requested that a failed patron search (zero results) from the Circualtion Checkout screen produces the "No results found" message. In the meantime search for patrons from the Patron screen for the most effective response and results. (SCLS Support ticket 41789) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-10-2012 Fixed. 02-07-2012 New Problem: Pass function does not work on holds queue report: the ability to pass a single item, or pass all items does not work on the holds queue report. This has been reported to LibLime (2/7/2012) (SCLS Support Ticket 41779) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-10-2012 Fixed. 02-07-2012 New Problem: Problem with Transfer function: Staff reported a problem with using the Transfer function in Circulation to change the Current Library for pool materials to be transferred to a new library location. Please use the applicable portion of the BOCC guidelines for transferring shared materials from one library to another. (SCLS Support Ticket 41775) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-07-2012 New Problem: Wrong call number on holds queue report: when an item is passed by a library and it shows up on the holds queue report for the next library, it is printing the call number of the previous item on the report instead of the new library's item. (Look for two libraries in the Passed to column as a clue.) We have reported this to LibLime (SCLS Support Ticket 41778) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)
• 02-07-2012 New Problem: Problem with Edit Holds button: staff report problems accessing the list of holds on a bib record using the Edit holds button on the Item Detail screen.  If you are experiencing this problem, please clear the cache on your staff workstation(s).  In the Firefox toolbar, click Tools then select Clear Recent History.  Un-check all boxes except the Cache, then click Clear now.  Try replicating the problem with the same titles/barcodes.
  If you continue to have this problem after clearing your cache, please close all applications on your PC and do a complete shutdown.  Wait 20-30 seconds and then start up your PC.  After logging back into Koha, try to replicate the problem with the same title/barcodes.  If you continue to have this problem please report it on the Koha Problems and Comments and include the title and/or barcode(s). (SCLS Support ticket 41774) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet/4.10)

FIXED IN 4.10 UPGRADE

• Provide an option to prevent patrons from receiving hold notices in any format. Currently, patrons can't opt out of notices. (6/22/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40356) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Not receiving hold confirmation when placing holds in PAC: If patrons begin placing a hold before logging in, they are prompted to log in. However, after logging in they are brought to their list of checked out items instead of receiving a confirmation for the hold, and the hold is not actually placed. To avoid the problem, patrons can log in before starting the place hold process. This problem has been reported to LibLime. (2/8/2012) (SCLS Support Ticket 41782) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet) (Fixed 2/9/12)
• Cannot save changes to LEADER (7/8/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40467) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Same bib displays multiple times in PAC search results list, while other bibs do not display at all. This is happening on some (but not all) sets of bib records for TV series where each disc is on a separate bib record. (8/10/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40684) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Error message when placing holds in PAC: Improve the error message that patrons get when placing a hold that is already on their hold list. Right now it says "Sorry, none of these items can be placed on hold" which is confusing. (5/26/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40104) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Placing holds on on order items in PAC: Patrons unable to place holds on on order items while in the library. (8/18/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40813) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Placing holds in staff client: You cannot place holds on titles with a large number of holds (e.g. Smokin' seventeen, The King's speech (DVD)) in the staff client. You can place holds on these titles in the PAC. Also, you cannot view the holds lists or change pickup locations for these titles. (4/25/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 39880) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• At Checkout, if you see the pop-up message "Please Confirm Checkout - Item (title) checked out to Patron X. Check in and Check Out? Check out anyway?, click "No, Don't Check Out". Leave the Check Out screen, go to Check in and check the item in before proceeding with the check out to the current patron. There is a bug that is causing display problems in patron records when Lost and Claims Returned items are "checked in" at Check Out; the current patron information will display in the previous patron's Account screen. SCLS staff will run daily reports and submit them for data cleanup until the next upgrade. (1/19/2012) (SCLS Support ticket 41371) (Not on Koha Problems and Fixes spreadsheet) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Clear Date button for the Override Check In Date Check in option is not clearing the date: If you select an Override check in date and check in some items, the system properly assigns the backdated date as the return date.  You can click the Clear Date button and the date is 'cleared' from the field but, unless you perform a check in transaction or click the "Submit" button with the date field cleared, the first backdate you 'selected' will return any/every time you go back to the Check In screen, regardless of which hyperlink you use. Libraries have also reported that sometimes they do not get the Clear Date button unless they click the "Submit" button or until after the first item is checked in. (12/12/2011) SCLS Support Ticket 41619) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• CircControl bug: these previously reported problems are all part of a bug that is not using the checkout library's circulation rules:
  • Another Renewals and Fines problem: We've had one report of new fines-related problems when overdue items are renewed at a location other than the checkout location. The system credited the paid overdue fines on those items because the Circulation Rules were different at the renewal (check in) location. (9/7/2011) (SCLS Support ticket 40697)(Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
  • System is ignoring the Max. Accruable Fine per Issue setting: sporadic report of the system assessing a higher Max. Accruable Fine per Issue than what is in a library's Circulation Issuing Rules. (9/7/2011) (SCLS Support Ticket 40917)(Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
  • Grace period may be ignored when system assesses fines: older report from one library and a new report from another library prove that the system sometimes ignores the grace period in a circulation rule, other times it works correctly. (9/2/2011) (SCLS Support Ticket 40899)(Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
  • If a patron checks out an item at Library A and asks Library B to renew the item for them, if the item goes to overdue after the renewal, the system will charge overdue fines based on the renewal library(check in library) or owning library, not the checkout library. Overdues are applied based on the check in library's rules, not the check out library's rules. (8/11/2011) (SCLS Support Ticket 40697).(Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• Provide the agency code on the holds checkin note when a transit hold is checked in. [Note, prior to the 4.8 upgrade, checking in the hold twice, did present the agency code]. (6/22/11) (SCLS Support Ticket 40354)(Development delivered 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)
• There is a problem with check-in notes showing up for the following items that are checked in. We have reported this to LibLime. The temporary work-around is to select Keep Note. Click the Main circulation link and select Checkin again. Please do not discard the note. (4/20/11) (Problem/Medium) (SCLS Support Ticket 40272) (Fixed 2/7/12; 4.10 upgrade)

Ignore button fix

LibLime has applied a fix to the Ignore button in the Hold Found pop-up messages.  There is still a problem with one check-in scenario but overall the button is working correctly.

When you click the Ignore button in both of the Hold Found pop-up messages ("Hold at" XXX and "Transfer to: XXX" ), the system will

• "keep" the item at your library,
• record your library as the Current Library and
• re-queue the patron back into the holds queue as a "Next Available" hold. 

The Ignore button is freezing when you try to use it for the following scenario:

• An item is sent to you in Delivery and it was not checked in/put into transit from the sending library.
• When you click the Ignore button in the Hold Found pop-up, the Ignore button does not seem respond to your click and remains on the screen.
• You will need to use the back button to get out of the screen.
• However, the actions of re-queuing the patron's hold and "keeping" the item at your library are completed.

We have reported this remaining problem on the original problem ticket, SCLS Support ticket 40636.  As soon as this is fixed we will send out an update.  The Circulation  Services Committee is working on revising the workflows for Damaged, Parts Missing and Defect Reported items to incorporate the use of the Ignore button.

 

 

 

Changes in Placing Multiple Copy Holds Procedure & Staff Use of Other Libraries' Materials

For several months, the ILS Circulation Services Subcomittee (CSC) and the Resource Sharing Work Group have been discussing and fine-tuning the policies and procedures for placing multiple copy holds including book group holds.  The Resource Sharing Work Group has also developed policies for appropriate staff use of other library's materials, including multiple copies of the same title. 

Placing Book Group and Multiple Copy Hold Requests

It is no longer necessary to send an email after placing multiple copy holds. Koha automatically moves the holds through the available copies in the system. This is, however, dependent on each library in the shared ILS running and processing their holds queue report at least once per day. If this is not done, holds may become "stuck" on one library's report. Library staff placing multiple copy holds should 1) place holds far enough in advance that they can all be delivered and 2) monitor the holds and take action if it appears they are not being filled in a timely manner.  This is all explained in the new "Book Group and Multiple Copy Holds" workflow.

Library Staff Use of Other Libraries’ Materials

One of the charges to the Resource Sharing Work Group was to review how materials are circulated between libraries. This was extended to include the use of other libraries' materials by library staff, including multiple copies of the same title.  The Work Group drafted a policy on this topic which has been approved by the CSC and which will be included in the policies to be submitted to the ILS Committee for adoption.  It is suggested that all library staff familiarize themselves with the whole policy, but here is the portion pertaining to multiple copy holds:

• Place all‐copy holds at least a week ahead of when needed, so no email is required.
• Limit to books that are not high demand/new.
• Suspended holds may be used until books are no longer new/high demand.

Since book discussion groups are "events" the following regarding holds on materials for events also applies:

• For single events only, not long‐term or ongoing displays.
• Keep for maximum of one week.
• Send materials back immediately after event.

 

4.10 LibLime Koha Upgrade "Coming Soon"

 

We are planning to do the 4.10 LibLime Koha Upgrade in mid-January (no specific date yet).  The LibLime elves are working on completing the final bug fixes.  Next week, ILS staff will be doing additional testing in the sandbox and begin preparing the documentation for the upgrade.  Included in the 4.10 upgrade are:

• Last patron information (more details coming next week)
• Holds Managament which resolves the problems with manipulating holds when there are a large number on a single bib. See the Holds Managament document under Testing on the ILS Web Site Training page. We strongly encourage you to look at this in the sandbox as it substantially changes the way holds are displayed for staff.
• Display Agency code when checking in holds
• Improvements to relevancy ranking (more details coming soon)
• Many bug fixes (more details coming soon)

We realize there are a lot of "details coming soon", but we wanted to get the word out about this upgrade as soon as possible.

Following this upgrade, LibLime will be delivering to our sandbox a substantial number of additional bug fixes and enhancements pertaining to our contracted development. We are working on a complete list which is "coming soon."  This will be the beginning of LibLime Koha 4.11 which will also include our next phase of new development.

 

Updated Circulation documents

The following sections of the Circulation Manual were updated in October and November 2011:

• Section III Check In
• Section V Patron Record and Registration
• Section VII Fines and Financial Transactions
• Section VIII Problem Items: Lost, Claims Returned, Defect Reported, etc.
• Section IX Placing and Managing Holds
• Section X Circulation Codes

The following documents were updated or added to the Circulation Workflows web page in October and November 2011:

• Claims Returned workflow
• Lost Item workflow
• Troubleshooting Email notices
• RETURN REFUSED message at Check In - explanation and work-around
• Specify due date work-around

Drafts of two report workflows were posted on the Reports page, ILS Support website:

• Claims Returned report workflow
• Long in Transit report workflow

All Circulation documents are works-in-progress.  If you see any errors, have any suggested changes or want more information about a particular topic provided, please fill out the Koha Problems and Questions form and enter MANUAL or WORKFLOW as the first word in the the Comment box.

 

 

 

New Check Out receipt option

A  new checkout receipt template has been added to each library's set up.  The new receipt lists:

• Item(s) checked out today (section header in italics)
  • Date due in boldface
• Item(s) previously checked out (section header in italics)
  • Renewed item have Date due in boldface and Number of renewals = 1 or more
  • Overdue items have Date due in boldface and Number of renewals = blank

We are not able to compartmentalize the items previously checked out into separate sections for overdue and renewed items.  Having the due date in boldface should help patrons identify overdue items.  If we wish to separate the overdue items and/or renewals on the receipts, we will have to pay for additional development.

Here is an example using this new template : 1027receipt.

If you are interested in using this template when you select the "Print Slip" option, fill out a Circulation Work Request Form  requesting that the "All Check Outs" receipt be assigned to your Print Slip option.  If you have had additional changes made to your current check out receipt that you want included in this new receipt, you must include those changes in this request as well. 

No changes have been made to the Quick Slip template, which still prints only "Item(s) checked out today".

Koha update rescheduled for Wed, 9/21

LibLime will be applying an update to the production system Wed., Sept. 21. The update will take place after 9 pm CST. Fixes for the following problems are included in this update:

• Koha attempts to "suspend" holds that are Waiting or In transit when patrons click the "Suspend All" button (SCLS Support Ticket 40729)
• Patrons are unable to log into the PAC using the significant digits of their barcode (SCLS Support Ticket 39874)
• Items that cannot fill holds are displaying on Holds Queue report (SCLS Support Ticket 40836)
• Lost items with no holds are not automatically put into transit upon checkin at a location other than the home library (SCLS Support Ticket 40381)
• Staff receive error message when attempting to delete patron record (no SCLS ticket number)

SCLS staff will be testing these fixes after the update is applied. If you notice problems on Thursday please submit them on the Koha Problems and Questions form. For urgent problems, call the ILS Help Desk at 608-242-4720.

Communication and Reporting Problems

The SCLS ILS staff are streamlining the way that we communicate Koha problems.  We have been working on re-vamping the ILS web site to make it easier to find the information that you need. The Get Help Tab is where you will find instructions for reporting problems and links to information about Koha and Koha problems. This is now the "go to" page when you need help. Below are additional changes we have made.

Finding Information about Koha Problems

• The SCLS Status wiki will now be used for Urgent problems only. Typically this will be when some aspect of Koha is down. You will check here to see if a down system has been reported.
• The Koha Known Problems page now includes a section of recently added items. Problems will remain here for two weeks. On Fridays we will integrate problems older than two weeks into the larger list. Problems on the larger list are listed from newest to oldest.
  • We have sub-divided the Circulation problems by sub-type, for example "Fines."
  • We will continue to update the Known Problems and Fixes Status spreadsheet and will indicate the date it was last modified. Most of the changes to this spreadsheet have to do with development projects. This spreadsheet has been moved closer to the bottom of the page but there is a link to it at the top.
• The ILS Home page will now be used for News items and will be updated frequently.
• The LINK2.0Koha blog will still be used for lengthier articles on new features and other information.

Reporting Problems

• The Koha Comments and Questions form was renamed the Koha Problems and Questions form.
• Urgent problems are now defined as "down systems" which include Koha, the self checks, LINKcat, GetIt, etc.
• We will be removing the Urgent status from the Koha Problems and Question form on Friday, September 16. Urgent problems should be called in.
• The High status now takes the place of Urgent when prioritizing your new tickets. We will continue to focus on High problems first and will try to address them within 8 business hours after they are submitted.
• Library staff may report problems and questions via the Koha Problems and Questions form or by calling the ILS Help Desk between 8:30-5 M-F.  

We hope that these changes will make things a bit easier for you. Please let Vicki Teal Lovely know if you have any questions or comments.

Measuring slowness

Be detailed when reporting slowness
One of the things being reported to the ILS team is that "Koha is slow."   Just like when you take your car to the repair shop, it's helpful to be able to provide as many details about what you're experiencing as possible.  In the case of your car, you might report "it's a 'tink-tink' noise on the front drivers' side when I'm driving between 10 and 20 mph."   In the case of Koha, it's helpful to be able to tell ILS staff:

• whether you were in the staff client or LINKcat PAC
• which module you were using (circulation, acquisitions, etc)
• what you were doing when it happened (checking in, checking out, etc)
• if it involved a patron record or an item record  (and which records those are)
• approximately how long it took to do the action
• what time of day it happened
• if the slowness was happening on all PCs around that same time or if it seemed to be tied to the action you were taking

The link to the form to report slowness can be found on the ILS page.

Every bit of detailed information helps.  Some slowness may be related to network traffic and issues.  Other slowness may be the Koha software and what's going on behind the scenes.  Details will help staff track down the source the of the problem.

Add-on for Firefox to assess speeds
If you are interested, there is an add-on for Firefox that will display the length of time it takes a webpage to load.  It can be used to assess speeds for Koha functions.

To install the add-on:

• In Firefox, go to https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/lori-life-of-request-info/
• click on "Add to Firefox"
• Restart Firefox if/when prompted

The plugin will add a status bar at the bottom right corner of Firefox and will display:

• TTFB: how long it took to see the first byte from remote server (from click to first byte received). This value gives a rough estimate on when the browser can start laying out the content.
• TTC: how long it took to display the page (from click to complete drawing of the page).  For us, this includes all possible contributions to lag time:  the Koha database + the Koha web server + the internet + Badgernet ---- it is not a pure measure of "how fast is Koha?"
• Page size (number of bytes used to display the page): this value includes both bytes fetched from network and bytes fetched from the browser's cache.
• Number of requests: number of requests used to fetch the page's content (images, style-sheet, javascript ....). Again, this value include both network requests and cache requests.

Notes: that the above stat is only updated when a page is completely displayed (the progress bar is no longer displayed). 

The numbers reported by the add-on of most interest to SCLS staff troubleshooting the slowness problem would be the TTFB and TTC numbers.