KIM Library OPAC

 

Koha Command Line Installation on Ubuntu 24.04

 

Step-by-Step Koha Installation on Ubuntu

This process requires administrative access (sudo) and uses the terminal for all steps.

Phase 1: Preparation and Package Installation

Step	Command	Description
1. Update System	sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade	Ensure your Ubuntu server is running the latest packages.
2. Add Koha Repository Key	`wget -O- https://debian.koha-community.org/koha/gpg.asc	sudo apt-key add -`
3. Add Koha Repository	`echo 'deb http://debian.koha-community.org/koha stable main'	sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/koha.list`
4. Re-update Package List	sudo apt update	Fetches the package information from the newly added Koha repository.
5. Install Core Dependencies	sudo apt install mariadb-server apache2	Installs the MariaDB database server and the Apache web server, which are prerequisites for Koha.
6. Install Koha Software	sudo apt install koha-common	Installs the main Koha application and its required dependencies.

Phase 2: Configuration and Instance Creation

Step	Command	Description
7. Enable Apache Modules	sudo a2enmod rewrite cgi sudo systemctl restart apache2	Enables the required Apache modules and restarts the web server.
8. Create Koha Instance	sudo koha-create --create-db mylibrary	Creates a new Koha instance named mylibrary. This automatically sets up a database (koha_mylibrary) and a configuration file. (Replace mylibrary with your desired instance name).
9. Configure Ports (Optional but Recommended)	sudo nano /etc/apache2/ports.conf	Open the Apache port configuration file. Add Listen 8080 below Listen 80 to ensure the Staff Client can use this port.
10. Enable Koha Site	sudo a2dissite 000-default sudo a2ensite mylibrary sudo service apache2 restart	Disables the default Apache welcome page, enables the new mylibrary Koha configuration, and restarts Apache to apply changes.
11. Retrieve Password	sudo xmlstarlet sel -t -v 'yazgfs/config/pass' /etc/koha/sites/mylibrary/koha-conf.xml ; echo	Executes a command to print the randomly generated database password for your instance. Copy and save this password.
12. Restart Services	sudo service memcached restart	Restarts the caching service, which is often necessary before accessing the web installer.

Installing Koha on Ubuntu involves a series of steps executed in the terminal, as the recommended method is using the Koha Community Debian Packages. This approach ensures you get a stable, well-maintained version of the software.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install Koha on an Ubuntu server (or desktop):

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⚙️ Step-by-Step Koha Installation on Ubuntu

This process requires administrative access (sudo) and uses the terminal for all steps.¹

Phase 1: Preparation and Package Installation

Step	Command	Description
1. Update System	sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade	Ensure your Ubuntu server is running the latest packages.
2. Add Koha Repository Key	`wget -O- https://debian.koha-community.org/koha/gpg.asc	sudo apt-key add -`
3. Add Koha Repository	`echo 'deb http://debian.koha-community.org/koha stable main'	sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/koha.list`
4. Re-update Package List	sudo apt update	Fetches the package information from the newly added Koha repository.
5. Install Core Dependencies	sudo apt install mariadb-server apache2	Installs the MariaDB database server and the Apache web server, which are prerequisites for Koha.
6. Install Koha Software	sudo apt install koha-common	Installs the main Koha application and its required dependencies.

Phase 2: Configuration and Instance Creation

Step	Command	Description
7. Enable Apache Modules	sudo a2enmod rewrite cgi sudo systemctl restart apache2	Enables the required Apache modules and restarts the web server.
8. Create Koha Instance	sudo koha-create --create-db mylibrary	Creates a new Koha instance named mylibrary. This automatically sets up a database (koha_mylibrary) and a configuration file. (Replace mylibrary with your desired instance name).
9. Configure Ports (Optional but Recommended)	sudo nano /etc/apache2/ports.conf	Open the Apache port configuration file. Add Listen 8000 below Listen 80 to ensure the Staff Client can use this port.
10. Enable Koha Site	sudo a2dissite 000-default sudo a2ensite mylibrary sudo service apache2 restart	Disables the default Apache welcome page, enables the new mylibrary Koha configuration, and restarts Apache to apply changes.
11. Retrieve Password	sudo xmlstarlet sel -t -v 'yazgfs/config/pass' /etc/koha/sites/mylibrary/koha-conf.xml ; echo	Executes a command to print the randomly generated database password for your instance. Copy and save this password.
12. Restart Services	sudo service memcached restart	Restarts the caching service, which is often necessary before accessing the web installer.

Phase 3: Web Installer Setup

1. Open your browser and navigate to the Staff Client URL:

   • http://127.0.0.1:8000 (If installing on the same machine)

   • http://[Your Server IP Address]:8000 (If accessing remotely)²

2. The Koha web installer will open.³ You will be prompted to log in using:

   • Username: koha_mylibrary (Your instance name prefixed with koha_)⁴

   • Password: The random password you retrieved in Step 11.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the final steps:

   • Select your MARC flavor (e.g., MARC21).⁵

   • Import necessary data (sample patrons, item types).

   • Create your first Super Librarian account.⁶

Once these steps are complete, your Koha installation is finished and ready for use.