Cataloguing 3D Physical Objects in Koha

This open educational resource provides a step-by-step guide to cataloguing three-dimensional physical objects — primarily material samples — in Koha, the open-source Library Management System.

Benefit of this resource and how to make the best use of it

Developed as part of the IADT Materials Library project, the guide addresses the particular challenges posed by physical objects in library cataloguing systems designed primarily for text-based materials. It covers two workflows: a single item record and a multi-item (kit) record for groups of related samples. Using real examples from the IADT Materials Library, the guide walks users through each relevant MARC 21 field, mapped to Koha’s tab-based interface, and includes a quick field reference and two complete sample records.

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)

This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC license, permitting sharing and adaptation for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Select Citation Style

Snow, F., Chawke, H., Buggle, J., & Doorley, R. (17/06/2026). Cataloguing 3d physical objects in koha. National Resource Hub (Ireland). Retrieved from: https://hub.teachingandlearning.ie/resource/cataloguing-3d-physical-objects-in-koha/ License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC).

Adapting this resource? Share your version!

If you have modified or adopted this resource, share your version here. Tracking adaptations helps us measure impact and connects others with useful updates.

Share Your Version