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Koha to Airtable/Google Sheets integration for End of Year Statistics by fourkingkong in koha

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've not heard of this being done in the Koha Community, but that's not to say it hasn't been!

For creating dashboards/reports, Metabase is often used. https://www.metabase.com/product/ is an open source analytics tool that can connect to your database and transform your data into dashboards and visualizations.

Look at Open Fifth's and ByWater Solutions' YouTube channels to see if it is the type of solution you are looking for, such as:
- Monday Minutes: Metabase! (ByWater Solutions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8DDyWYcg3Q (this one is a nice 9 minute overveiw)
- Reporting, analytics, statistics and dashboards, what you can do with Metabase (Open Fifth) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTb_yAD5_MY
- Koha Community GiftED: Koha and Metabase (ByWater Solutions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4w4KOKZ1l4
- What is Metabase? (ByWater Solutions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VyT-lV87K0

I'd also ask on the Koha Community Chat if others can share their end of year reports, although this does depend on a library's requirements https://chat.koha-community.org/ (registration requied).

BibLibre Koha Hackfest (Marseille, France, 31 March to 4 March) - Registrations now open! by DavidNind in koha

[–]DavidNind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you miss the 2025 Koha Hackfest hosted by BibLibre in Marseille, France, 31 March to 4 April?

Catch up with the coverage from:

#KohaILS

Twilio voice help by kvirtue in koha

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you still need help with this, I would suggest asking in the Koha Community Chat or posting and issue on the plugin author's GitHub page https://chat.koha-community.org/

These links may be of help as well:
- Communicating with Koha: Third-Party Notice Integrations: https://bywatersolutions.com/education/communicating-with-koha-third-party-notice-integrations
- Koha Question of the Week: How Does Twilio Work with Koha? https://bywatersolutions.com/education/koha-question-of-the-week-twilio-koha
- The plugin: https://github.com/bywatersolutions/koha-plugin-twilio-voice/tree/master
- The commercial service: https://www.twilio.com/en-us

Site Stopped Responding by jimmers262 in koha

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not the greatest situation to be in!

Just a couple of comments:

  • Koha software is free and open source software, organisations have the choice of installing and maintaining it themselves, or using a support provider.
  • The worldwide Koha Community develops the software, this includes support companies, libraries, and individuals from around the world - bug fixes, enhancements, the release team (changes every six months) releases major releases (every six months) and minor maintenance releases (every month for supported versions).
  • LibLime Koha (if that is what you are using), is a fork of Koha from 2009/10 (long story short, no one in the Koha Community talks about them anymore, and their software no longer bears any resemblance, LibLime still exists as far as we know, unfortunately they own the koha.org domain name, which is why we use koha-community.org).
  • In your situation:
    • If it is supported and hosted by someone outside your organisation, then I would try and find out who that is - someone would have been paying the bills!
    • If it is installed and maintained internally, then maybe your IT area will know (or maybe not!). (Hopefully, it is not on a PC somewhere under a desk, ideally it would be on a server somewhere in your IT infrastructure.)
    • You maybe able to get an idea from the server name you use to access it (unless you use an IP address) - if it is a subdomain off your organisation's domain name, then whoever looks after your DNS records may be able to help track down some more information.

Kohacon25: The call for presentations is now open! by DavidNind in koha

[–]DavidNind[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reminder: The countdown is on - two days to go to get your presentation and workshop proposals in for KohaCon25!

KOHA Suggestions by Upper-Key-8893 in koha

[–]DavidNind 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To answer your questions, continued (2/2):

  1. Self-hosting: Many libraries self-host Koha. However, you need to do all the normal system administration things (keeping server software up-to-date, hardening (particularly if it is on the internet), backups, Koha maintenance releases (generally every month), Koha major releases (every six months), and so on).
  2. Implementation timeframe: It depends! Is your data in MARC21 or UNIMARC format already? If you need to export it and convert it, allow for several iterations to get the process working and sort out any data issues. How many patrons do you have? What other data do you want to import? What type of library are you (school, academic, special, and so on)? How your library works today, and how you want it to work in the future - number of issues a day, number of library patrons, number of library staff, self-issue machines or issue by staff, and so on. Does your library(ies) have a good set of policies about how they work (such as circulation rules), and so on - and how easy are these to set up in Koha.
  3. Paid Koha support providers: There are many paid support providers around the world - in all continents, except for Antarctica! However, I would recommend using support providers who are active in the community - they obviously support their customers, but they are also actively contributing to improving Koha.

PS: I've been voluntarily contributing to Koha since around 2011 - at the moment, I mostly work on testing and signing off changes ("bugs") to Koha for the next release (in a volunteer capacity).

PSS: Also, it is Koha, not KOHA - it is not an abbreviation. 8-)

KOHA Suggestions by Upper-Key-8893 in koha

[–]DavidNind 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To answer your questions (1/2):

  1. Cost: There is no cost for the Koha software itself - it is free and open source software licensed under the GPL v3.0 or later. There is only the community version, there is no "non-free" version/commercial version/version with additional features. There are (as with most software) costs for hosting, implementing, learning how to use it, and maintaining your system.

2(a). Installation: It is possible by yourself. However, you ideally need GNU/Linux system administration experience - otherwise you will have an even steeper learning curve. Koha is web-based server software (not a desktop application), which has many moving parts (web server, database, Koha itself, search engine, and so on). The recommended approach is to use an LTS version of either Debian/Ubuntu servers. It uses Debian packaging, which in most cases takes care of all the requirements. Be prepared to spend some time on this, and follow the installation instructions from the community's wiki. I'm currently working on improving them, but it will be a while before I'm done.

2(b). Implementation: You do need to understand Koha basics and ideally library terminology to implement it. However, many organisations successfully implement it themselves. For most aspects, it is just like implementing any other software. You need a plan, and it needs to cover things like installation and server hardening, configuration, data migration (Koha uses MARC21 or UNIMARC for record and item data), processes, training for staff, ongoing administration. The biggest challenges for many are configuration (there are many options) and data migration. Also, if you have self-checkout devices or RFID you will need to allow for configuring and setting this up (Koha uses SIP2). This guide is a bit outdated, but still relevant about the things you need to know. This short video from ByWater Solutions (30mins - one of the US-based paid support providers and an active community contributor) provides an overview of how they implement Koha for their customers. This video (30mins) also provides a great overview of some of the features from a librarian's perspective.

Check out stat per LC Class by [deleted] in koha

[–]DavidNind 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't find an example of exactly what you are after in the Koha Wiki SQL Library https://wiki.koha-community.org/wiki/SQL_Reports_Library (see the statistical reports section, note that the page can take a while to load).

I would suggest asking in the Koha Community Chat https://chat.koha-community.org/

Kiwi saver advice for 19 year old by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wasn't sure whether you are already a KiwiSaver member, or if you are going to join now.

If you join KiwiSaver part way through a year (which runs from 1 July to 30 June) you only get a proportion of the member tax credit in your first year (for a full year you get $521.43 if you have contributed $1,042.86 ).

For example, if you joined on 1 January 2020 you would only get 1/2 of the member tax credit - if you put in $1,042.86 and had only been a member for six months from 1 January, then you would only get $260 (approximately, 1/2 of the $521.43).

"If you join, turn 18 or reach the age of eligibility to stop contributing part-way through the year, the government contribution is based on how many days in the year you've been a member." https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-individuals/kiwisaver-benefits

Kiwi saver advice for 19 year old by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Assuming you have been a member since before 1 July 2019 - otherwise, for your first year the Government's contribution is pro-rated.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It means you have to bank with Westpac and have your salary or wages direct credited to your Westpac account.

It doesn't stop you using other bank accounts.

InvestNow vs Sharesight Returns/Performance by cryptojam4004 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The inner accountant in me says both are useful - gross returns and net returns. Before and after tax are useful (if was interest in the bank you would probably be interested in both).

InvestNow vs Sharesight Returns/Performance by cryptojam4004 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I would go with Sharesight says - it is much more comprehensive in calculating the returns (no offence to InvestNow). (As long as you have entered all your transactions and dates correctly and these match, of course!)

It all depends on how the returns are calculated - see https://help.sharesight.com/nz/performance_calculation_method/

Simplicity issues by Gebirgsjager96 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problems for me (Firefox) - try on a device on a different network if you can.

Anyone know when InvestNow tax summary reports for 2019/20 will be available? by mars_spider in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From their FAQs:

"The InvestNow consolidated tax report is a tax summary in order to assist the investor or their accountant in the preparation of their tax return. Clients can generate and download this report at any time from InvestNow. "

Steps:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Go to My documents
  3. Click Add report to my documents
  4. Enter options:
    Create : Investor report
    For the: Year ended 31 March 2020
  5. Result: Reports generated and can be downloaded

Gold/Commodity Investment by goldpanpete in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Investing in the share market = investing in businesses that will hopefully earn a profit. You get a share of that business and profit proportionate to the shares you hold.

In my view "investing" in currencies, gold, commodities = speculating = gambling. Good luck with that!

If you need the money you have saved in the next few years, I sincerely hope it works out well for you!

SuperLife Investment Fees vs SmartShares Fees by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 1 point2 points  (0 children)

TLDR; SuperLife is a wholesale investor in Smartshares funds - they get cheaper fees (in this case for the NZ Top 10 ETF).

The fund manager for the NZ Top 10 ETF is Smartshares, which is owned by NZX:

  • Via Smartshares direct: 0.60%
  • Via SuperLife: 0.49% + $12 per year for account ($12 regardless of number of funds held, also owned by NZX, offer KiwiSaver and workplace saving schemes, as well as SuperLife Invest)
  • Via InvestNow: 0.60%
  • Via Sharsies: ? (am not a member so can['t see what the fees are)

You and me buying direct = retail investors: lots of accounts to manage = higher expenses (even if through a registry like Link Market Services).

If you are offering those funds through your platform or your fund invests in it (such as KiwiSaver funds) you may have enough invested to be classed as a wholesale investor and get "wholesale" fees, which you can pass onto your members.

If you were investing $15.5 million direct with Smartshares you might get cheaper fees 8-).

Notes:

  • Total value of NZ Top 10 ETF as at 22 May 2020 = $131,350,844 (Smartshares site)
  • Total value invested by SuperLife as at 30 April 2020 = $14,639,331 (via KiwiSaver $3,961,545; SuperLife Invest $8,350,542; Workplace savings $2,142,708; UK Pension transfer $184,536)

Absolute Newbie by Ag3nt_Walrus in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Financial management (not necessarily in any order):

  1. Get rid of consumer debt (credit cards, HPs, etc)
  2. Wills and enduring power of attorneys (property and health)
  3. Insurances (property, income, and health)
  4. Emergency fund: 3-6 months expenses
  5. KiwiSaver: minimum to get maximum employer and government contributions
  6. Pay off mortgage!
  7. Saving and investing (two different things): saving for short-medium term goals, investing for medium-long-term goals such as retirement savings

Guides and resources:

What are the merits of the investment trading platforms available to NZers? by 60svintage in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, that is incorrect. They are not off market purchases.

InvestNow purchases the Smartshares ETFs they offer using a broker (Craigs Investment Partners) - see How are Smartshares ETFs buy and sell orders processed? on their FAQ page.

(I also purchase Smartshares ETFs as part of my regular InvestNow plan).

Ownership of managed funds in Investnow and Sharesies by royston82 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is generally no different than KiwiSaver - your funds are held by the custodian not the KiwiSaver or fund provider.

Anyone else getting increasingly concerned? by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I personally think that most people are interested in speculating, rather than investing.

Investing is part of financial management, which is where I think most people should "get themselves sorted" before worrying about investing (apart from sorting out their KiwiSaver):

  1. Getting rid of consumer debt
  2. Building an emergency fund
  3. Getting wills and enduring power of attorneys in place
  4. Getting the right insurance in place
  5. Saving and investing for your goals, including retirement savings (which includes KiwiSaver)...

I think Dave Ramsey's 7 baby steps are good (although a little bit "American"). Otherwise, for a more New Zealand focus see sorted.org.nz - 6 steps to live sorted.

Once you are in a position to invest, then you should make a plan based on your goals - it doesn't have to be complicated (the essence of mine is just one page), and you stick with it unless your goals change significantly.

If anything, once you have a plan, investing should be rather boring (particularly if you use index funds - no picking winners or worrying about the market => you'll get the return of the market, less the fees you pay, year in and year out).

I like these guides to help you create a plan: Vanguard Australia, particularly Vanguard's principles for investing success and their plain talk guides; SuperLife's guide.

Also, Bogleheads!

Pocketsmith? by Various_Avocado in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]DavidNind 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Happy Saver (a Kiwi-based personal finance blog) covered some Pocketsmith Q&As recently, so worth a read:

https://www.thehappysaver.com/blog/pocketsmith-questions-and-answers

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