Koha MARC Helper

Search books and generate MARC 21 records for Koha cataloging.

Streamline your library cataloguing workflow with an AI-assisted MARC 21 helper for Koha ILS. Koha MARC Helper is a time-saving Chrome extension for librarians, cataloguers and library science students. It finds a book in library catalogues and book databases, builds a MARC 21 record, and fills your Koha 'Add record' form in one click – so you spend your time checking records, not typing them. It supports both copy cataloguing and original cataloguing, in a workspace right inside your browser's side panel. 🌟 KEY FEATURES 📚 Search trusted sources at once Search by ISBN, title or author across national and university library catalogues and major book databases at the same time, including Indian union catalogue sources for Indian editions. Results for the same book are merged, and each result shows where its data came from. 📖 Full catalogue records, never guessed data When a library catalogue holds the book, its complete record is carried over – classification, subject headings, names, contents notes, series and more. Nothing is invented: fields that a source does not supply are left for you to complete. 📏 Consistent, clean records Records follow AACR2 practice, with consistent item numbers and clean subfields without ending punctuation, so your Koha data stays tidy. 🤖 AI Helper (optional) Connect an AI service of your choice, or a local model, to suggest Dewey class numbers, subject headings and general notes. Every suggestion is shown for your review before it is added. 📝 Built-in MARC 21 editor Review and correct every field, indicator and subfield in the side panel. Add or delete fields, and view the record as MARC text or JSON to copy. ⚡ Direct Koha integration Click 'Populate Koha Fields' on your Koha cataloguing page. Fields are filled in automatically – including repeated fields and subfields – and any field that could not be filled in is clearly named. 🔒 Privacy first No accounts, no analytics, no tracking. API keys, settings and draft records stay in your browser on your own computer. 📘 Built-in user guide Click '?' in the pop-up or open Help → User guide – it works offline. HOW TO USE 1. Install the extension and enter your institution's name in Settings. 2. Open your Koha 'Add record' page. 3. Search for a book by ISBN, title or author, and select the best match. 4. Review the record in the side panel (and, if you wish, run the AI Helper). 5. Click 'Populate Koha Fields', check the form, and save the record in Koha. Always verify: online data and AI suggestions are a draft – check every field against the book in hand.