Library Automation An Overview
- 1. International Journal of Trend in International Open Access Journal ISSN No: 2456 @ IJTSRD | Available Online @ www.ijtsrd.com Library Ms. Research Scholar ABSTRACT Library automation refers to the use of computer to serve the needs of library users. It is the automatic and semi-automatic data processing machine to perform such traditional activities such as acquisition, cataloguing, serial control and circulation. It perform various task on electronic machine a considerable human supervision and interve needed. Thus this paper traces about what are the objective of library automation, their needs, essential requirements, area of automation, benefits and which are the automation software are available in the market for library automation. Keywords: Library automation, software packages, information and communication technology, computer etc INTRODUCTION Computer has gained its importance in every field of human activity because of its accuracy, storage, speed, versatility, automation and diligence. Libraries are known for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) both for its routine activities well as for providing search services to the users. Computer in libraries are widely used for both internal operations as well as for accessing information that is available within four walls of the library. In the age of ICT computers are used in housekeeping activities of libraries which saves the time of users as well as library professionals and at the same time it help to avoid duplication of work and make the library services to work smoothly and effectively. Computers are not only work as a data processing tool but also work as a information storage device to access and retrieve information. Due to the great impact of information technology and application of computer in the use of libraries, a process of great change is taking place in libraries. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) International Open Access Journal | www.ijtsrd.com ISSN No: 2456 - 6470 | Volume - 2 | Issue – 6 | Sep www.ijtsrd.com | Volume – 2 | Issue – 6 | Sep-Oct 2018 Library Automation: An Overview Ms. Pramila Khushali Velip Research Scholar, Canacona, Goa, India Library automation refers to the use of computer to serve the needs of library users. It is the use of automatic data processing machine to perform such traditional activities such as acquisition, cataloguing, serial control and circulation. It perform various task on electronic machine a considerable human supervision and intervention is needed. Thus this paper traces about what are the objective of library automation, their needs, essential requirements, area of automation, benefits and which are the automation software are available in the Library automation, software packages, information and communication technology, computer Computer has gained its importance in every field of human activity because of its accuracy, storage, speed, versatility, automation and diligence. Libraries are known for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) both for its routine activities as well as for providing search services to the users. Computer in libraries are widely used for both internal operations as well as for accessing information that is available within four walls of the library. In the age of ICT computers are used in day-to-day housekeeping activities of libraries which saves the time of users as well as library professionals and at the same time it help to avoid duplication of work and make the library services to work smoothly and work as a data processing tool but also work as a information storage device to access and retrieve information. Due to the great impact of information technology and application of computer in the use of libraries, a ce in libraries. Automation is a technique to make a system automated means self-active, for these electronic machine are used to automate the libraries. Here library automation is nothing but application of machine viz computers to the routine of libra housekeeping operations such as acquisition, serial control, cataloguing and circulation. Meaning of Library Automation: The word "automation" has been derived from Greek word "automose" means something which has power of spontaneous motion or self "automation" was first introduced by D. S. Harder in 1936, who was then with General Motor Company in the U. S. He used the term automation to mean automatic handling of parts between progressive production processes. Library automation st single term, it is the application of computers and utilization of computer based product and services in performance of different library operations and functions in provision of various services and production of output products. Definition: According to Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, "automation is the technology concerned with the design and development of process and system that minimize the necessity of human intervention in operation". The Oxford English Dictionary defines automation as "application of automatic control to any branch of industry or science by extension, the use of electronic or mechanical devices to replace human labour". (Weiner, 1989) Objective of Library Automation: To improve the existing services. To improve control over library collection. Research and Development (IJTSRD) www.ijtsrd.com 6 | Sep – Oct 2018 Oct 2018 Page: 475 Automation is a technique to make a system active, for these electronic machine are used to automate the libraries. Here library automation is nothing but application of machine viz computers to the routine of library housekeeping operations such as acquisition, serial control, cataloguing and circulation. f Library Automation: The word "automation" has been derived from Greek word "automose" means something which has power of spontaneous motion or self-movement. The term "automation" was first introduced by D. S. Harder in 1936, who was then with General Motor Company in the U. S. He used the term automation to mean automatic handling of parts between progressive production processes. Library automation stated in single term, it is the application of computers and utilization of computer based product and services in performance of different library operations and functions in provision of various services and production of output products. ording to Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, "automation is the technology concerned with the design and development of process and system that minimize the necessity of human intervention in operation". (Kent, 1997) nary defines automation as "application of automatic control to any branch of industry or science by extension, the use of electronic or mechanical devices to replace human labour". f Library Automation: ervices. To improve control over library collection.
- 2. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ IJTSRD | Available Online @ www.ijtsrd.com To have an effective control over the entire library operation. To avoid duplication of work. To share resources effectively though consortia amount various libraries. To improve the level of services and quality of output. To maintain bibliographical records of all the materials in a computerized form. To reduce repetition in the technical processing of housekeeping operations. To provide online catalogue. To access other network on the web. To provide access to information at a faster rate. To implement new IT processes to provide high quality information. Need of Library Automation: The use of computer has changed the whole structure and working environment of the library. In the present day context automation of library is needed because To improve the quality, speed and effectiveness of services. To obtain increased operational efficiency. Information exlposition. To improve access the resources on other network and system including the web. To facilitate a wider dissemination of their information products and services. To enable their participation in resource with other libraries. To improve the management of their physical and financial resources. Availability of information in various formats (print, non-print, graphical, audio-visual, etc. Limitation of library (time, space and man power). Duplication of housekeeping activities. To search national and international databases. Essential for Library Automation: The essential things for the automation of a library are as follows 1. A good collection: Computerisation is not just for the sake of Computerisation. Computerisation of any library collection and their services is to serve the users better and to provide access to information. For this purpose, first of all the collection of library should be comprehensive. The library should have a book acquisition policy and norms for the building up of a good collection. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456 www.ijtsrd.com | Volume – 2 | Issue – 6 | Sep-Oct 2018 To have an effective control over the entire library To share resources effectively though consortia To improve the level of services and quality of To maintain bibliographical records of all the To reduce repetition in the technical processing of ther network on the web. To provide access to information at a faster rate. To implement new IT processes to provide high The use of computer has changed the whole structure and working environment of the library. In the present day context automation of library is needed To improve the quality, speed and effectiveness of ficiency. To improve access the resources on other network To facilitate a wider dissemination of their To enable their participation in resource-sharing To improve the management of their physical and Availability of information in various formats visual, etc. Limitation of library (time, space and man power). activities. To search national and international databases. The essential things for the automation of a library are Computerisation is not just for the sake of Computerisation. Computerisation of any library collection and their services is to serve the users better and to provide access to information. For this purpose, first of all the collection of library should be good and comprehensive. The library should have a book acquisition policy and norms for the building up of a 2. Finance: Finance required in automation of library for the collection building, computer system and recurring expenditure, etc. For any programme finance is the important component. The finance of any automation programme includes both installation and ongoing expenditures which includes maintenance, stationeries etc. 3. Suitable computer hardware: Selection and purchase of a computer is a complex procedure. The library should decide first what type of computer is suitable for its work. There are variety of computer and computer makers. There are mini frame computer to main frame computer. should decide to purchase best quality of computer hardware to automation their library. 4. User friendly computer software: Computer software is generally expensive. Software will include Utilities format, conversion programmes. Application software. Database management system and data dictionary software. Dated communication software. Programming aids, testing aids, etc. Additional system software. 5. Staff training: Training is required to the library staff in using each and every module of the library automation softwar Training session to be conducted in regular intervals and wherever library automation software is updated. 6. User training. Not only the library staffs need also user should be provided training either by library staff or any other training institution. For smooth functioning and maximum utilization of library resources the user should be provided training at regular intervals. Areas of Library Automation: Acquisition system:- Automates the acquisition process, ordering, receiving, claiming materials from suppliers and return and cancellations of materials. Acquisition can be done online if system is linked to an external network. Cataloguing system:- Creation, storage, retrieval and management of bibliographical records and indexes. Circulation:- To handle circulation activities such as lending, return, renewal and place on hold. Serial control:- Manages placing, canceling claiming of orders, returning defective, unwanted (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470 Oct 2018 Page: 476 Finance required in automation of library for the collection building, computer system and recurring expenditure, etc. For any programme finance is the important component. The finance of any automation programme includes both installation and ongoing expenditures which includes maintenance, stationeries Suitable computer hardware: hase of a computer is a complex procedure. The library should decide first what type of computer is suitable for its work. There are variety of computer and computer makers. There are mini- frame computer to main frame computer. The library o purchase best quality of computer hardware to automation their library. User friendly computer software: Computer software is generally expensive. Software Utilities format, conversion programmes. system and data dictionary Dated communication software. Programming aids, testing aids, etc. Additional system software. Training is required to the library staff in using each and every module of the library automation software. Training session to be conducted in regular intervals and wherever library automation software is updated. staffs need to get training, but also user should be provided training either by library staff or any other training institution. For smooth functioning and maximum utilization of library resources the user should be provided training at Library Automation: Automates the acquisition process, ordering, receiving, claiming materials from suppliers and return and cancellations of materials. Acquisition can be done online if system is linked to an external network. Creation, storage, retrieval and management of bibliographical records and To handle circulation activities such as lending, return, renewal and place on hold. Manages placing, canceling, claiming of orders, returning defective, unwanted
- 3. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ IJTSRD | Available Online @ www.ijtsrd.com and unordered material and accounting and statistical information. Inter - library loan via OPAC:- with an information management system for inter library loan transactions. This includes monitoring of loans and accounts, making claims. Putting holds on materials being borrowed, etc. Some library software packages and their developing agencies: Sr. No. Software Packages Developing Agency 1 CDS/ISIS UNESCO, Paris 2 Libsys Libsys Corporation, New Delhi 3 ILMS INFLIBNET Centre, Ahemadabad 4 Archives MINIFAX Electronics Pvt. Ltd, Bombay 5 Libman Datapro Consultancy Services, Pune 6 Librarian Soft - Aid, Pune 7 Libris Frontier Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd. , Trivandrum 8 Memlib Memos Pvt. Ltd., Ahemadabad 9 Soul INFLIBNET Centre, Ah 10 Granthalaya NISCAIR, New Delhi 11 Sanjay DESIDOC, New Delhi 12 New Genlib Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management 13 Wilisys WIPRO India, Bangalore PROBLEM OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION: Lack of motivation towards latest information technology. Lack of organization effort towards library. Lack of funds. Lack of trained personnel. Lack of standard technology. Ignorance of senior library staff about the technology. Selection of appropriate software packages. Advantages of Library Automation: Library automation has the following advantages. Accuracy: - The degree of precision and accuracy in processing information is high. However dependent on the accuracy of information led into the system. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456 www.ijtsrd.com | Volume – 2 | Issue – 6 | Sep-Oct 2018 and unordered material and accounting and - Provide staff with an information management system for inter library loan transactions. This includes automatic monitoring of loans and accounts, making claims. Putting holds on materials being borrowed, etc. Some library software packages and their Developing Agency UNESCO, Paris Libsys Corporation, New Delhi INFLIBNET Centre, Ahemadabad MINIFAX Electronics Pvt. Ltd, Bombay Datapro Consultancy Services, Pune Aid, Pune Frontier Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd. , Trivandrum Memos Pvt. Ltd., Ahemadabad Centre, Ahm NISCAIR, New Delhi DESIDOC, New Delhi Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management WIPRO India, Bangalore PROBLEM OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION: Lack of motivation towards latest information Lack of organization effort towards library. Ignorance of senior library staff about the Selection of appropriate software packages. Library automation has the following advantages. The degree of precision and accuracy in processing information is high. However, it is e accuracy of information led into Speed:- Information processing is done much faster which ensure better work flow through the library. Improved services to users: quality on performance is possible through the use of computer. Reduction in library workloads: workload can be reduced as the computer can do vast amount of work and processing. Cost effectiveness:- Operating costs can be reduced if the system is well designed and well managed. • Eliminates human error while performing routine library work. • Easier access to external databases. • Eliminates duplication of work. • Providing online access and search of information. • Excellent control over circulation. Disadvantages of Library Automation: Security problems. Financial expenses. Totally depend on electricity. Maintenance of automation software is totally depend on computer administration. Untrained users. Conclusion: The main aim of any library is to provide access for correct information, to a right user at a right time. So keeping in view to serve the better services for user automating a library is must. Library automation is the process which needs proper planning, timely implementation and periodical evaluation. For automation of any library, a selection of suitable software package is needed which is user friendly. At the same time training should be given to a library staff as well as library user. Bibliography 1. (n.d.). Retrieved 09 15, 2018, from http://www.clib.dauniv.ac.in/E Automation.pdf 2. (n.d.). Retrieved 09 15, 2018, from http://librarykvpattom.wordpress.com/2007/12/27/ library-automationaims-and 2018 3. (n.d.). Retrieved 09 16, 2018, from http://ismblogblog.wordpress.com.2016/05/09/libr ary-automation/Kent, A. (1997). Library and Information Science. Dekkar,New York. Weiner, S. &. (1989). English Dictionary . Oxford: Clarendon Press. (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470 Oct 2018 Page: 477 Information processing is done much faster which ensure better work flow through the Improved services to users:- High rate and better quality on performance is possible through the use Reduction in library workloads:- Library workload can be reduced as the computer can do vast amount of work and processing. Operating costs can be reduced if the system is well designed and well or while performing routine Easier access to external databases. Eliminates duplication of work. Providing online access and search of information. Excellent control over circulation. Disadvantages of Library Automation: Totally depend on electricity. Maintenance of automation software is totally depend on computer administration. The main aim of any library is to provide access for to a right user at a right time. So keeping in view to serve the better services for user automating a library is must. Library automation is the process which needs proper planning, timely implementation and periodical evaluation. For ibrary, a selection of suitable software package is needed which is user friendly. At the same time training should be given to a library (n.d.). Retrieved 09 15, 2018, from http://www.clib.dauniv.ac.in/Electure/Library%20 (n.d.). Retrieved 09 15, 2018, from http://librarykvpattom.wordpress.com/2007/12/27/ and-objectives/Retrieved (n.d.). Retrieved 09 16, 2018, from http://ismblogblog.wordpress.com.2016/05/09/libr automation/Kent, A. (1997). Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. Marcel Weiner, S. &. (1989). Oxford Oxford: Clarendon Press.