Batch Item Modification

Batch Item Modification

The Batch Item Modification tool can be found in the Cataloging module. This tool allows libraries to make batch edits to item holding data in a quick and easy way. There are a few ways that a library can use this tool. It can be used either directly from the Cataloging module, or by pulling in results from an Item Search or a report! 

Batch Item Modification Process

  1. From the Cataloging module > Batch Item Modification
  2. There are a few choices to add items in which to delete
    1. Upload a file. This can be a barcode file or an item number file, in csv or txt file format. 
    2. Directly from Item Search or report results
    3. Barcodes - scan them into the text box, one per line
  3. Lastly, there is an option to use default values. Checking this box indicates that Koha should populate item fields with the default values defined in the default framework. 

  1. Click the Continue button.
  2. On the next page, the options to Select all, Clear all, Clear on loan appear at the top of the screen. This will allow all items to be selected or unselected. By default, all items will be selected. 


  1. Columns in the table can be hidden by unchecking the boxes next to the column names highlighted in green above the table containing the items to be modified.
  2. Below the list of items, there is the Edit items section -  which displays all the fields that can be modified. From here modifications such as changing the Shelving location or updating a specific status can be done. 
  3. Other Attibutes - this option allows for libraries to apply a 'exclude from local holds priority' to the items in this list. 
  4. Options - this allows for the items in this batch item modification to be checked in. 


Using the MarkLostItemsAsReturned system preference, libraries can select ‘from the batch item modification tool.’ This ends a checkout without triggering return behaviors like refunds or marking lost items as found.
Regex - some fields show the option to apply Regex.  See below for a tutorial video on how to use Regex in a Batch Item Modification.

After clicking the Save button, a message box will appear to note that this batch has been sent to the queue to get processed. If this is a large batch, the process may take a few minutes. Viewing the details of the enqueued job will show the status of the job, as well as a table of the modified items if the process has been completed.



Using the Item Search with Batch Item Modification

When performing a search using the Item Search function, the results of this search can be exported into a barcode file. This file can then be used in the Batch Item Modification tool.

Steps:
  1. Perform a search within the Item Search.
  2. There are two options at this point:
    1. Select visible rows or specific items using the checkboxes, and export the selected results into a barcode file.  
    2. Select visible rows or specific items using the checkboxes, and click on the Batch Operations button. (**This will replace the process of downloading the file and reuploading into the Batch Item tool)
  3. The barcode file will download to the user's computer.
  4. Go to the Cataloging module > Batch Item Modification
  5. Choose to Use a barcode file and attach that file from the Item Search.


Using a Report with the Batch Item Modification 

When creating reports within the Koha report library, the use has the option of taking the results and sending them right over to the batch item tools, such as Batch Item Deletion or Batch Item Modification. This option can be used when the report includes the item number.

  1. Create a report or use a report that has included item.itemnumber.
  2. Run this report.
  3. The option to perform batch operations will appear. Clicking on this option will show which batch functions can be used depending on what information is in the report.
  4. Clicking Batch Item Modification will take those results and open up the Batch Item Modification tool.


Tutorial Video on Batch Item Modification


Check-in

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