[Koha] data import tools

[david at lang.hm]

On Sun, 19 Dec 2010, Jared Camins-Esakov wrote:

> On Sun, Dec 19, 2010 at 1:58 PM, <david at lang.hm> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 19 Dec 2010, Jared Camins-Esakov wrote:
>>
>>  David,
>>>
>>> Speaking as a librarian...
>>>
>>> I have some books that I have in multiple formats (paperback, hardcover,
>>>
>>>> plus several e-book formats), how can I tag these appropriately? the MARC
>>>> records that I've found seem to be just for the hardcover edition.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> As a general rule, paperback and hardcover copies that were issued *at the
>>> same time* go on the same record, without any format/genre note.
>>> Traditionally paperback books were bound by the library for preservation
>>> reasons. Often later paperback editions go into the same record as well,
>>> at
>>> least in public libraries. Ebook records are kept separate, and usually
>>> purchased from the vendor.
>>>
>>
>> that makes sense.
>>
>>
>>  In practical terms, the thing to do would probably be to create separate
>>> item types for each format, and just use one record, even though that's
>>> not
>>> really the "proper" way to do it. I'm imagining you don't want to do a lot
>>> of original cataloging for ebook records.
>>>
>>
>> no, I don't see any purpose in having different MARC records if I can
>> reference one and have different item types.
>>
>> any pointers to how to put in the e-book file?
>>
>> I can put a URL to retrieve the book in the URL field of the item record,
>> but doing so just lets someone download it rather than check it out (and one
>> of the big reasons for messing with a full library at this point is to be
>> able to loan out e-books to friends so that there is only one copy out at a
>> time rather than just creating a website where they can download them)
>>
>
> This will be challenging. Most e-book providers (and I'm pretty sure by
> "most" I actually mean "all e-book providers that use DRM") provide a
> platform which enforces any viewing limits, leaving libraries to merely
> provide a link. However, if you are checking books out, it means that a
> person (presumably you) is involved in the process at the point of checkout.
> I tried adding a non-public note to an item, but the note does not show up
> at any point during the checkout process. It might be possible to add this.
> I'm not sure. I've never used Koha in a circulating library, so perhaps
> someone else will have an idea.

In my case the e-books don't have DRM on them, so the only infrastructure 
is whatever I provide. In most cases the files are watermarked to be 
traceable back to me, but some have no technical restrictions at all.

David Lang