[Koha-devel] Frameworks

[Wagner, Jane]

Thanks, Chris.  I thought from the documentation that the framework
served the data entry template function, but I'm still not clear on a
few points.  In the Sirsi-verse, the format policy serves three
purposes.

* It defines the MARC format, and must be updated when the MARC standard
changes (new fields defined, new subfields defined, fields
repeatable/not repeatable, etc.).  Does the Koha framework set the MARC
standard for the system?  If so, how does it get updated when the
standard changes?  Do site administrators need to modify it manually?
Do updates happen automatically with Koha version upgrades?  Do each of
the framework policies need to be updated?  Or does Koha handle the MARC
standard definition elsewhere?

* Along with an accompanying policy it defines what fields/subfields
display in the OPAC and how they're labeled.  Staff can always see all
MARC fields in edit mode, but display depends on the policies.  Does the
framework control OPAC display in Koha?  How are things like staff notes
and other internal data fields hidden from public display?  I haven't
dug into the web template pages yet -- maybe display setup happen there.

* The Sirsi format policy controls index settings.  I understand that in
Koha those are handled separately, through the Zebra setup.  Is that
correct?  (I've also seen reference to non-Zebra indexing in the system
preferences, but I gather those are irrelevant if we're using Zebra.)

If anyone can point me to some documentation on frameworks, I'd be
grateful.  I've found some brief mentions in other docs, but nothing in
depth.  In particular, I'd like to know the implications of modifying a
framework policy.

Thanks much.


Jane Wagner
Library Systems Analyst
PTFS Inc.
Content Management and Library Solutions
6400 Goldsboro Road, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD  20817
(301) 654-8088 x 151
jwagner at ptfs.com

-----Original Message-----
On Sat, Jan 31, 2009 at 8:18 AM, Wagner,  Jane <jwagner at ptfs.com> wrote:
> Many thanks.  I've been looking at the wiki and the bug sites, as well
> as the documentation site.  Still learning my way through the
software.
> Can anyone point me to a good, detailed description of what frameworks
> are and how they are meant to work?  I'm still trying to wrap my brain
> around that concept and how it relates to the MARC format policies in
> the Sirsi-verse.
>

Hi Jane

I can't answer in respect to how Sirsi-dynix works. But frameworks for
Koha, in a nutshell, allow you to build up a different set of MARC
tags for cataloguing differing types of items.
EG you might have an Audio CD framework that just has the fields that
are useful wrt to it. Basically it allows you to define a framework
that means you dont have to tab through a bunch of fields (that you
leave empty).

Hope that helps

Chris