The Architecture of a Research Hub: Libraries vs. Virtual Collections

The "Virtual Library" Framework: Organizing the National Sirah Hub

In a standard library, a "Branch" is a physical building. In our National Sirah Research Hub, we redefine this. By setting up publishers and major bibliographies as Libraries (Branches) in Koha, we allow researchers to filter results by their original source—transforming a flat list into a multidimensional map of scholarship.

1. Setting Up Sources as "Libraries"

To differentiate between a physical book and a citation from a bibliography, we register the source in Koha Administration > Libraries.

• Library Code: Use a standardized 3-letter prefix (e.g., DRS for Darussalam, SNK for Sher Nowrooz Khan).
• Library Name: Enter the descriptive name (e.g., Darussalam Sirah Collection).

2. The Power of "Library" Filtering

This architectural choice provides two major benefits to the end-user:

A. OPAC Faceted Search: Users can use the "Location" filter on the sidebar to instantly see only the virtual records cited by Sher Nowrooz Khan or only the physical holdings of the National Library.

B. Systematic Accessioning: Every item inherits its library code. A citation from the SNK bibliography becomes SNK-0001, making it impossible to confuse a "virtual" record with a physical one.

3. The "Grand Strategy" Roadmap

To manage this project systematically from Day 1, we follow a three-phase execution plan:

Step 1: The Definition Phase

Identify all "Physical Libraries" (IRI, IIUI, NLP) and "Virtual Libraries" (Hamidullah Bibliography, SNK Bibliography). Assign unique codes and finalize MARC frameworks for Books, Articles, and Theses.

Step 2: The Virtual Backbone

Input data from primary bibliographies. Set the Home Library to the bibliography's code (e.g., SNK) and apply a "Not for Loan" status labeled "Virtual Citation" to manage user expectations.

Step 3: The Physical Layering

Harvest data from actual libraries via Z39.50. When a physical match is found, merge the records. Koha retains the rich "Virtual" description while adding a new "Physical" item entry from the holding library.

4. Summary of Hub Data Standards

Material Type	Primary MARC Field	Home Library	Loan Status
Physical Book	952$p (Accession)	e.g., NLP	Available
Virtual Entry	510 (Citation)	e.g., SNK	Virtual Citation
Thesis	502 (Degree)	e.g., IIUI	Reference Only
Article	773 (Host)	e.g., IRI	Digital/Physical

Management Tip: Create a "One-Point Dashboard" using Koha Reports to track progress. For example: "Show the percentage of SNK Bibliography entries now located in Pakistani libraries."

Project Developer: Rauf Ahmed | Islamic Research Institute (IRI)
Building the Future of Digital Sirah Scholarship — 2026