Old Koha Database to a New Installation

Migrating your Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) to a new environment is a critical task, whether you’re upgrading to a new version or shifting to a different server. This guide walks you through the essential steps required to move your old Koha database to a new installation safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Backup the Old Koha Database

Before starting any migration, creating a reliable backup of your Koha database is essential. You can generate a compressed backup using the following command:

sudo mysqldump -uroot -p koha_library | xz > koha_library.sql.xz

Here, koha_library is the name of your Koha database. You’ll be prompted to enter the MySQL root password. This command saves your backup in .sql.xz format for efficient storage.

Step 2: Install Koha on the New Server

Install Koha on your new server by following the official installation documentation provided on the Koha Wiki. Make sure the system dependencies such as Apache, MySQL, Memcached, and Zebra are correctly configured.

Confirm that your new Koha instance is functional before proceeding to the restoration step.

Step 3: Drop the Existing Database and Restore the Old One

After installing Koha, you’ll need to drop the default database that comes with the new instance and recreate it:

sudo mysql -uroot -p

Then in the MySQL shell:

drop database koha_library;
create database koha_library;
quit;

Copy your backup file (koha_library.sql.xz) to your home directory and extract it:

unxz koha_library.sql.xz

Now restore the database:

sudo mysql -uroot -p koha_library < koha_library.sql

Ensure that the database name matches the instance name in your Koha installation.

Step 4: Upgrade the Database Schema

Koha evolves with each version, and older database structures may need upgrading. Run the following commands to update the schema:

sudo service memcached restart
sudo koha-upgrade-schema library

Replace library with your actual Koha instance name.

Step 5: Rebuild Zebra Indexes

To enable proper catalog search functionality, rebuild the Zebra indexes:

sudo koha-rebuild-zebra -v -f library

This ensures that bibliographic and authority records are indexed correctly.

Migrating an old Koha database to a new system is a straightforward process when done methodically. By backing up, restoring, upgrading, and reindexing, you can ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime. Whether you’re an IT admin or a library tech lead, following these steps will help keep your Koha system stable and efficient.