Summary

Intro
• Library services involve acquiring, organizing, and maintaining various types of documents.

• Traditionally, these tasks were performed manually and were time-consuming and labor-intensive.

• With the advent of personal computers in the 1970s, libraries began automating some of these tasks to optimize
productivity and creativity of library staff.

• Library automation can involve a piecemeal approach or a fully integrated system, with the core being Library
Management Software (LMS).

• LMS uses a relational database to interlink different files for efficient management of the library.

• Automated library systems support housekeeping operations, information retrieval, and on-the-fly integration of library
materials with open datasets.

• Modern library automation systems are Web-compatible and accessible through LAN, WAN, and the Internet.
• Automated library systems can be integrated with linked open data, open contents, and social networking tools through
semantic web technologies and information mashup.

Evolution Of Library Automation

Library automation began with a librarian named Dr. John Shaw Billing who suggested the idea of using punched card machinery
to Herman Hollerith, who later founded IBM.

Library professionals started using computers in the late 1950s and early 1960s when traditional library practices were unable to
keep up with the rapidly growing amount of information.

In the 1970s, the development of low-cost personal computers and in the 1980s, improved connectivity led to the establishment
of automated library systems in developing countries.

A decade wise analysis of developments in library automation is given below:

1. Pre-computer era (1950s): Used unit record equipment.
2. Stand-alone era (1960s): Off-line computerization in the 1960s and early 1970s.
3. On-line system (1970s): On-line systems were introduced in the 1970s.
4. Micro-computer era (1980s): Microcomputers (PCs), CD-ROM technology, and Local Area Network (LAN) in the 1980s.
5. Web era (1990s): Internet revolution of 1990s led to Web-enabled integrated library systems for access from anywhere.
6. Open era (2000s): Emergence of open library systems powered by open-source software, open standards, and on-the-fly
integration with open data and contents.

Real library automation started in early 1970s with low-cost PCs and locally developed software for library house-keeping
operations, despite punched card equipment being used as early as 1936 for library circulation and acquisitions.

The phase of development grouped into five periods:

1. First phase of library automation:
a. Computerization of library operations with commercial or in-house software
b. Development of shared copy-cataloguing system for collaboration
c. Also known as distributed cataloguing
d. Period characterized by computer and communication technologies.
 2. Second phase of library automation:
a. This period is characterized by the introduction of OPAC, which replaced traditional card catalogs.
b. This era also witnessed significant developments in online access to abstracting and indexing databases, union
catalogues, resource sharing networks, and library consortia.
c. The focus of this era was on providing public access to library materials through electronic means.
d. This period helped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations and services.

3. Third phase of library automation:

a. Focus on full-text access to electronic documents.
b. High-speed communication channels were used.
c. Digital media archiving was a key element.
d. The internet became a global publishing platform.
e. Library services were delivered in a web-centric way.

4. Fourth phase of library automation:

a. Also known as the 'networked information revolution' era.
b. It offers a wide range of digital contents and services that can be accessed, used, reused, and tailored to the needs
and objectives of each user, anytime and from anywhere.
c. Digital libraries, multimedia databases, and virtual libraries are major achievements in this era.
d. Most automated library systems in the current time are in between the third and fourth age of library
automation.

5. Fifth phase of library automation:

a. current phase of library automation.
b. It uses interactive, collaborative, and participative platform for developing user-oriented library services with the
help of Web 2.0 tools and services.
c. It allows on-the-fly integration of Linked Open Data (LOD) with local library resources and operations.
d. Cloud-based library management and Web-scale library management are the norms of this phase.
e. It aims to provide better services to the library users with the use of advanced technologies.

Major events in Library automation

A. During 1936-59:
a. Introduction of punched card for circulation control in library
b. Use of IBM 402, 403 and 407 for manipulating, analysis, sorting and retrieval of data
c. ‘Memex’
i. Developed by Vannevar Bush in 1945
ii. designed as a personal device for individual use

B. During 1960-69:
a. The widespread availability of general-purpose computers.
b. H.P. Luhn's use of a computer in 1961 to produce the KWIC (Keyword in Context) index for Chemical Abstracts,
demonstrating the potential for computerized information retrieval.
c. The MEDLARS project in 1961, which applied computers to measure the efficiency of information retrieval
systems.
d. The appearance of the first computerized circulation system in 1962.
e. The ‘Intrex’ project in 1965, which aimed to transform a university library into a new information transfer system.
f. The MARC initiative by the Library of Congress in 1965, which provided a standard format for machine-readable
cataloging data.
g. The introduction of online interactive computer systems in the mid-1960s, replacing off-line batch processing
systems.
 h. Projects like BALLOTS and MAC, which explored the broader possibilities of library automation beyond traditional
library services.

C. During 1970-79:
a. The introduction of minicomputers to automate circulation, and the adoption of barcodes on books to facilitate
this automation.
b. The development of computer-based acquisition systems for procuring books and serials.
c. The appearance of the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) in 1971, providing a standard
format for bibliographic data.
d. The establishment of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) in 1971 to facilitate library cooperation and
reduce costs of processing works.
e. The development of ISO-2709 in 1973, providing a standard format for data exchange.
f. The start of development of Worldcat by OCLC in 1975, which has since become the world's largest bibliographic
database with over 8 billion cataloging records.
g. The emergence of library networks connecting libraries all over the world.

D. During 1980-89 :
a. The establishment of shared copy-cataloguing systems that used computer and communication technologies as a
norm.
b. The availability of remote access to on-line databases.
c. The appearance of CD-ROM databases for indexing and abstracting journals.
d. Library automation packages shifting towards a relational architecture.
e. The introduction of integrated automation packages, including barcoded circulation systems.
f. The growing popularity of Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), which were made available on campus-wide
Local Area Networks (LANs) for easy access.

E. During 1990-99 :
a. Library automation packages shifted from client-server architecture to web architecture.
b. Resource sharing, union catalogues and computerized interlibrary loan saw large-scale development.
c. Z39.50 protocol released in 1995 to share bibliographical information and overcome database search language
problems.
d. Emergence of collective purchasing consortia, multimedia databases and web-based library services.
e. Dublin Core Metadata Standard released in 1995.
f. Web-OPAC became popular for automated libraries.
g. Conversion and digitization of print contents into electronic format started.
h. Full-text access to information resources over the Internet began with IP authentication.
i. IFLA introduced FRBR as a conceptual data model for bibliographical databases in 1998.
j. Development of Eprint archives and digital libraries.
k. MARC 21 family of standards released in 1999.
l. RFID-based inventory management and smart card-based user access to online library services.
m. OAI/PMH standard developed for metadata harvesting and initiatives started to make LMSs compatible with this
standard.

F. During 2000-14:
a. Open-source library management systems (LMSs) have become mature and competitive on a global scale.
b. Standards such as SRW, SRU, and MARC-XML have been established, along with sub-domain standards like NCIP
for circulation.
c. Web 2.0 tools and techniques are being used in library automation systems.
d. Interactive OPACs now support user tagging, rating, and comments.
e. Improvements have been made to searching and browsing through new search operators like Fuzzy search and
weight-term search.
f. Semantic web technologies are being applied to LMSs, allowing for integration of Linked Open Data (LOD) with
library services.
 G. From 2015-present
a. Increased use of cloud-based library management systems (LMS) that allow for more efficient and flexible
management of library resources.
b. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance discovery,
personalized recommendations, and library operations.
c. Expansion of open access initiatives and adoption of open access publishing models that make scholarly resources
more widely available.
d. Emergence of blockchain technology to ensure secure management and sharing of library resources and
information.

Q. Answers
Q. Define library automation. What are the needs of library automation?

Ans.

Library automation refers to the use of technology to manage and streamline library operations and services. This includes
activities like cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, interlibrary loan, and resource sharing. Library automation makes it easier for
librarians to manage and provide access to their collections, and for users to discover and access information resources.

Need for Library automation

1. Increased efficiency: Automated library systems can perform tasks much more quickly and accurately than manual
processes, allowing librarians to focus on other important tasks.

2. Enhanced accessibility: Automated systems make it easier for patrons to access library materials and resources, including
digital content.

3. Improved data management: Library automation systems make it easier to manage large amounts of data, such as
cataloging records, patron information, and circulation data.

4. Better collection management: Automated systems can help libraries track their collections, including which items are
checked out, overdue, or lost.

5. Improved resource sharing: Automated systems can help libraries share resources more easily, allowing patrons to access
materials from other libraries in the network.

6. Enhanced patron services: Automated systems can help libraries provide better services to patrons, including online
catalog access, self-checkout, and personalized recommendations.

7. Cost savings: Automated systems can help libraries reduce costs by improving efficiency, reducing errors, and allowing for
more effective use of staff time.

8. Improved decision-making: Automated systems can provide libraries with valuable data and analytics that can help inform
decisions about collection development, resource allocation, and service improvements.

Q. What do you mean by integrated library system? Enumerate the features of such systems.
Ans.
An integrated library system (ILS) is a type of library automation system that helps in managing and organizing the different tasks
of a library, such as cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and serials control, in a single, integrated system. Some features of an
integrated library system include:
 1. Cataloging: ILS allows for easy and efficient cataloging of library materials, including books, journals, DVDs, and other
media.

2. Circulation: ILS automates the circulation of library materials, including check-in and check-out, renewals, holds, and fines.

3. Acquisitions: ILS streamlines the acquisitions process, from ordering and receiving materials to invoice payment and
budget tracking.

4. Serials control: ILS helps to manage serials subscriptions, including tracking issues received, claims, and renewals.

5. Patron management: ILS allows for easy patron management, including registration, record updates, and holds.

6. Reporting: ILS provides detailed reports on circulation, acquisitions, and other library operations, helping to identify
trends and inform decision-making.

7. Search and discovery: ILS include a public catalog, allowing patrons to search for and discover materials in the library's
collection.

8. Electronic resource management: Many ILS systems also include modules for managing electronic resources, such as e-
books, databases, and online journals.

Q. Distinguish between library automation and integrated library system.

Ans.
Library automation and integrated library systems are related concepts, but there are some key differences between them. Here
are some points of distinction:

• Library automation:

1. Refers to the process of using technology to perform library tasks and services.
2. Can refer to individual automation technologies, such as barcode scanners or online catalogs, as well as larger automation
systems.
3. May involve a variety of separate technologies and systems that work together to automate different library functions.
4. May not be fully integrated or interconnected, leading to possible inefficiencies and duplication of effort.
5. Can be thought of as a general term for any technology-based system that automates some aspect of library work.

• Integrated library system:

1. Refers to a specific type of library automation system that combines multiple library functions into one cohesive system.
2. Typically includes modules for cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and sometimes other functions like serials
management or interlibrary loan.
3. All modules are interconnected and share data, reducing the need for duplicate data entry and streamlining workflows.
4. Often includes a public-facing online catalog or discovery tool that integrates with the other modules and allows patrons
to search for and access library materials.
5. Can be thought of as a comprehensive, all-in-one library automation solution.
6. In short, library automation is a general term for any technology-based system that automates some aspect of library
work, while an integrated library system is a specific type of library automation system that combines multiple library
functions into one interconnected system.

Q. Difference b/w Automated library and Digital library?

Ans.

An automated library and a digital library are two different types of libraries with some key differences. Here are some points that
highlight the differences between the two:
 1. Collection: An automated library typically consists of physical books, magazines, and other materials that are cataloged
and managed through an automated system. A digital library, on the other hand, consists of digital resources such as e-
books, digital journals, and online databases.

2. Access: In an automated library, users can access the physical materials by browsing the shelves or requesting them
through the library's automated system. In a digital library, users can access the resources from anywhere with an internet
connection, using a computer or mobile device.

3. Availability: Physical materials in an automated library may be limited to the number of copies available and their location
within the library. In a digital library, materials are generally available to multiple users simultaneously, and there are no
physical restrictions on the number of copies.

4. Storage: Automated libraries require physical storage space for their collections, which can limit the size of their
collections. Digital libraries do not have this limitation, as digital resources can be stored on servers and accessed
remotely.

5. Preservation: Physical materials in an automated library can deteriorate over time, whereas digital resources can be
preserved indefinitely with proper management and storage.

6. Search and Discovery: Automated libraries use a catalog system that requires users to search by author, title, or subject.
Digital libraries often have more sophisticated search tools that allow users to search by keyword, phrase, or topic.

7. Interactivity: Digital libraries often offer interactive features such as multimedia content, social networking tools, and
collaboration tools, which are not typically available in automated libraries.

Q. What is Procedural model of library automation? Illustrate

Ans.
The procedural model of library automation refers to a traditional approach to automating library operations that involves a step-
by-step process to complete tasks. Here are some key points about the procedural model of library automation:

1. Task-based approach: The procedural model focuses on automating specific tasks or functions within the library, such as
cataloging, circulation, or acquisitions.

2. Manual data entry: In the procedural model, data is often entered manually into the library's automated system, either by
library staff or by external vendors.

3. Batch processing: The procedural model often uses batch processing, where data is processed in large groups rather than
individually, to reduce processing time.

4. Limited integration: The procedural model may not integrate different library functions, such as circulation and cataloging,
resulting in data duplication and inefficiencies.

5. Reliance on physical media: The procedural model may rely on physical media, such as tapes or disks, to store data, which
can limit data access and retrieval.

6. Limited user access: The procedural model may limit user access to library resources, as users may be required to
physically visit the library to access materials.

7. Limited reporting and analysis: The procedural model may not provide robust reporting and analysis capabilities, making it
difficult for libraries to track and analyze data over time.
Overall, while the procedural model of library automation was an important step in improving library operations, it has limitations
in terms of efficiency, integration, and user access compared to more modern approaches to library automation.

Q. What is a standard? Why an ILS should support global standards? List the standards required for a globally competitive ILS.
Ans.
A standard is a set of guidelines, protocols, or rules that establish a common language or framework for the development and
implementation of systems, processes, or products. In the context of library automation, global standards help ensure that library
systems and services are interoperable and can work seamlessly across different platforms and regions. Here are some points
about why an ILS should support global standards and a list of standards required for a globally competitive ILS:

• Why an ILS should support global standards:

1. Interoperability: Global standards help ensure that library systems can work together seamlessly, regardless of their
location or platform.

2. Efficiency: Global standards help reduce duplication of effort and increase efficiency by establishing common practices
and protocols.

3. Access: Global standards help ensure that library resources are accessible to users around the world, regardless of their
location or language.

4. Innovation: Global standards encourage innovation by providing a common language and framework for the development
of new library systems and services.

• Standards required for a globally competitive ILS:

1. MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging): A standard for the representation and communication of bibliographic and related
information.

2. Z39.50: A protocol for searching and retrieving information from distributed databases.

3. Dublin Core: A metadata standard for describing web resources, including electronic resources.

4. SIP2 (Standard Interchange Protocol): A protocol for communication between self-checkout systems and ILS.

5. OAI-PMH (Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting): A protocol for sharing metadata between
repositories.

6. NCIP (NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol): A protocol for communication between ILS systems, allowing libraries to
share patron and item data.

7. Unicode: A standard for encoding characters and symbols from all writing systems, allowing for global language support.

8. ISO 27001: A standard for information security management, ensuring the protection of library data and systems.

Overall, an ILS that supports global standards is better equipped to provide efficient, innovative, and accessible library services
that can work seamlessly across different regions and platforms.