Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04 Step by Step Guide Hello and a very warm welcome to Huntersam! This is SAM, and in this hands-on blog tutorial, we will learn how to download and install the latest release of Koha on Ubuntu 24.04, the current LTS version Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04 – Step-by-Step Guide .

Setting Up the Virtual Environment

I am using VMware on a virtual machine, while the background system is Windows 10. Let’s begin by stretching the virtual machine screen Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04.

Updating and Upgrading the System

The first step Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04 is to open the terminal, enter the admin password with sudo, and then update and upgrade the system using the following commands:

sqlCopyEditsudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get upgrade

This process might take some time, so you can pause and resume as needed.

Downloading and Adding Koha Source Files

Once updated, proceed to download Koha 24.05, which was released in May 2024. Restart the system if necessary. Add the Koha source files by pasting the appropriate commands into the terminal and updating the system again to fetch the latest Koha updates.

Installing Koha

Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04 After fetching the updates, install Koha from the Koha common directory. This might take some time, so pause until the installation completes.

Configuration of Koha

Once installed, configure the Koha site file. For editing, use a text editor like Nano instead of gedit. Update the intranet port for the staff interface to 8080 and save the changes.

Installing and Configuring MySQL

Next, install the MySQL server, activate the required modes, and restart Apache using the following command:

CopyEditsystemctl restart apache2

Create the Koha master database and configure Apache ports for Koha.

Completing Installation via Web Installer

Open a web browser and navigate to the Koha web installer using localhost or 127.0.0.1. Follow these steps:

1. Log in with your saved credentials.
2. Select the language (default is English).
3. Continue with dependency checks and database setup.
4. Choose MARC 21 standards and optional default settings like barcodes, currencies, and library details.
5. Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04

Finalizing Onboarding Tools

Complete the onboarding process by:

1. Providing the library code (default: main).
2. Configuring pattern categories and administrator details.
3. Defining circulation rules (initially go with defaults).
4. Installing Koha 24.05 on Ubuntu 24.04

First Login and Version Verification

Log in to Koha for the first time and verify the version. The latest release, Koha 24.05.01, was installed. This version was released on June 18, 2024, and we installed it on June 19, 2024.

Installing Koha

After fetching the updates, install Koha from the Koha common directory. This might take some time, so pause until the installation completes.

Configuration of Koha

Once installed, configure the Koha site file. For editing, use a text editor like Nano instead of gedit. Update the intranet port for the staff interface to 8080 and save the changes.

Installing and Configuring MySQL

Next, install the MySQL server, activate the required modes, and restart Apache using the following command:

CopyEditsystemctl restart apache2

Create the Koha master database and configure Apache ports for Koha.

Completing Installation via Web Installer

Open a web browser and navigate to the Koha web installer using localhost or 127.0.0.1. Follow these steps:

1. Log in with your saved credentials.
2. Select the language (default is English).
3. Continue with dependency checks and database setup.
4. Choose MARC 21 standards and optional default settings like barcodes, currencies, and library details.

Finalizing Onboarding Tools

Complete the onboarding process by:

1. Providing the library code (default: main).
2. Configuring pattern categories and administrator details.
3. Defining circulation rules (initially go with defaults).

First Login and Version Verification

Log in to Koha for the first time and verify the version. The latest release, Koha 24.05.01, was installed. This version was released on June 18, 2024, and we installed it on June 19, 2024.

Accessing OPAC and Exploring Features

Finally, open the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to explore the features of Koha. Check the Koha community site for the latest updates and releases.

Understanding the Setup: Virtual Environment and System Requirements

I am working with VMware on a virtual machine, where the host operating system is Windows 10. For this demonstration:

• The guest operating system is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
• VMware Workstation is used to create and manage the virtual environment.

Step 1: Preparing the System

Opening the Terminal

Begin by launching the terminal in Ubuntu. This is where most of the commands will be executed.

Updating and Upgrading the System

To ensure the system is ready, update and upgrade the packages by entering the following commands:

sqlCopyEditsudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get upgrade

This process might take a while, depending on the system. Pause the installation until it’s complete.

Step 2: Downloading and Setting Up Koha Source Files

Downloading the Latest Koha Release

Koha 24.05 was released in May 2024. For this tutorial, we’ll install this version, which has received an update as recently as June 18, 2024.

Adding the Koha Source Key

After the system update, add the Koha source key to ensure the repository is correctly recognized. Execute the following commands:

sql Copy Edit sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com [KEY]
sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://your-koha-repo stable main"
sudo apt-get update

Step 3: Installing Koha

Initiating the Installation

Run the installation command to begin installing Koha from the common directory:

arduinoCopyEditsudo apt-get install koha-common

This step might take some time, depending on your system.

Step 4: Configuring Koha for the First Time

Editing Configuration Files

Koha requires specific configurations for ports and intranet settings. Use the Nano text editor to modify files:

• Update the intranet port to 8080.
• Save changes with Ctrl+O and exit using Ctrl+X.

Step 5: Installing MySQL and Database Configuration

Installing MySQL Server

Install MySQL to manage Koha’s database:

arduinoCopyEditsudo apt-get install mysql-server

Creating the Koha Database

Run the following commands to set up Koha’s master database:

cssCopyEditmysql -u root -p
CREATE DATABASE koha_library;

Step 6: Configuring Apache Web Server

Adjusting Apache Settings

Modify Apache configuration files to align with Koha’s requirements. Use the following commands:

bash Copy Edit: sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/library.conf

Add the necessary configurations and restart the Apache service:

Copy : sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 7: Finalizing the Installation with the Web Installer

Accessing the Koha Web Installer

Open your browser and go to:

ardui no Copy Edit http://localhost:8080

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete:

1. Dependency checks.
2. Database configuration.
3. Selection of MARC 21 standards and default settings.

Step 8: Completing Onboarding Tools

Providing Library Information

Add essential details, such as:

• Library code: Default is main.
• Administrator credentials and super librarian roles.

Configuring Item Types and Circulation Rules

Set up default circulation rules and item categories, which can be modified later.

Step 9: Verifying Installation and Exploring Features

Logging Into Koha

Log in to Koha using the admin credentials and verify that version 24.05.01 (released on June 18, 2024) is installed.

Checking OPAC Features

Explore the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) interface and test its features.

Conclusion: Congratulations on Installing Koha!

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured Koha 24.05.01 on your Ubuntu virtual machine.

• Check the Koha community site regularly for updates.
• For further customization or troubleshooting, explore Koha’s extensive documentation.

Conclusion

Thank you for watching Huntersam! This is SAM. Keep reading Huntersam for more tutorials. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the blog.