Koha 21.11: New Options for Runtime Parameters

by Sara Brown on Jun 6, 2022

Increased usability for parameters

21.11 brings increased usability to the parameter options for creating and running reports.

Bug 29201 - biblio_framework missing from list of runtime parameters when editing SQL reports
Bug 29328 - Add missing list parameter to reports parameter menu
Bug 29351 - Add missing cn_source parameter to reports parameter menu

Parameters allow you to either select from a group of values defined for that parameter (such as item types) or enter text (such as a partial call number, a publication year, a bib number etc.) for each run of a given report rather than having to hardcode values into your SQL.

List, biblio_framework, and cn_source have been available as runtime parameters in Reports, but none were included in the dropdown menu - so to use them, staff would need to 1) know that they were available and 2) manually type in the proper field name using the Text field option:

With 21.11 (or in the case of List, backported to 21.05.05), these options now appear in the ‘Runtime parameters’ dropdown:

The framework parameter pulls from your frameworks as defined in Administration–MARC bibliographic frameworks. It will appear by default as <<Framework|biblio_framework>>, though as with any other parameter, you can give it a different label than ‘Framework’ if you choose.

When you run the report, you be able to select a framework by name instead of having to remember each framework's code:

By default, cn_source will appear as <<Source of classification or shelving scheme|cn_source>>. You will be able to choose from the sources marked as ‘In use’ in Administration–Classification sources.

List is highly flexible - it can be used with biblionumbers, item numbers, borrowernumbers, barcodes, and more. The default label is generic, so it's advisable to update it with something more descriptive:

It will appear in your report as <<[Label]|list>>. When running the report, you can enter or (paste!) in a list with one number per line - the same format as used in the batch item and record modification and deletion tools:

Taken together, these enhancements add flexibility and help staff make full use of Koha's Reports module!

More 21.11:
Koha 21.11: Upgrade Hub
Koha 21.11: Release Notes