We have successfully migrated all bibliographic and item records from the LibSys system to the Koha Integrated Library System (ILS). LibSYS has imposed restrictions on data export. To overcome this challenge, we developed custom software that successfully migrated all the data. Once the data was extracted, it was cleaned, standardized, and organized in Excel format to ensure consistency and accuracy. Each field was carefully mapped to match Koha’s data structure, and the final dataset was imported into Koha using its batch import tool.
This method made sure that all catalog records were moved properly without losing any data. Now the library runs on Koha, an open-source and easy-to-use system that gives better search, reporting, and overall experience for both staff and users. The migration also removed the need for costly proprietary software and gave the library full control over its data. Overall, this project shows a smooth and successful shift from LibSys to Koha using smart data handling and open-source tools.
