Library Automation
Library Automation
Development Team
Principal Investigator
Paper Coordinator
Dr. Jagdish Arora, Director
&
INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar
Subject Coordinator
Content Writer
Paper Coordinator
Content Reviewer
Library Automation: Library Automation: Definition, Need, Purpose and
Advantages
I. Objectives
After completion of this lesson, learner would study about the basics of library
automation, various modules and sub-modules of a library automation software
packages and their general features and functionalities, important Library
Management Software packages available in the market and standards in library
automation and resource sharing.
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Library Automation
3. History of Library Automation
4. Need & Purpose of Library Automation
5. Planning for Library Automation
5.1 Hardware Requirement
5.2 Local Area Network (LAN)
5.3 Integrated Library Software and Criteria for Selection of a Software
5.4 Creation of Databases of Records
5.5 Retroconversion of Bibliographic Records
5.6 Manpower and their Training
6. Standards and Protocols
6.1 AACR-II
6.2 Machine Readable Catalogue (MARC)
6.3 Z39.50 or OAI-PMH
6.4 FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records)
6.5 Dublin Core
6.6 ILL Standards
6.7 Open URL
6.8 Search/Retrieve Web Service (SRW) and Search/Retrieve URL Service
(SRU)
7. Automation of In-house Operations
7.1 Cataloguing
7.2 Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
7.3 Circulation Control
7.4 Acquisition
7.5 Serial Control
7.6 Other Modules
8. Automatic Identification
8.1 Bar Code Technology
8.2 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
9. Next Generation Library Management System
10. Summary
11. Bibliography
12. References
1. Introduction
Libraries are known for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
both for automation of its routine activities as well as for providing search services
to the users. Computers are increasingly used in libraries both for internal
operations as well as for accessing information that is available in the four walls of
the library. The application of computers avoid repetitive jobs and save labour
and time both for users as well as outside the library staff. Computers are not only
used as a data processing tool, but also for information storage, access and
retrieval.
The use of computers for information storage and retrieval began with the
production of computer-generated and printed indices for scientific and technical
literature in 1960s. Subsequently, several organizations started using computers not
only for generation and printing of indices but also for creation of computer
readable databases, By early 1970s, several published indexing and abstracting
journals, such as Biological Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts, Index Medicus, etc.
were not only produced by computer, they were also made available as computer-
readable databases on magnetic tapes and several organizations started subscribing
to them on magnetic media to organize local information storage and retrieval
services.
This module covers definition, history, need & purpose of library automation.
Planning for library automation, automation of in-house operations i.e.
Cataloguing, OPAC, Circulation, Acquisition, Serial Control etc. Barcode
Technology & RFID is also covered in this module.
The Oxford English Dictionary (Simpson & Weiner, 1989) 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”.
The initial work on library automation began in 1930's when punch card equipment
was implemented for circulation and acquisition in libraries. During the 1930's and
early 1940's progress on computer systems was slow because of depression and
World War II. The library automation progressed along with the developments in
computer and communication technology. The landmark developments in history
of library automation are as follows:
• From 1946 to 1947, two significant computers were built. The ENIAC I
(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) computer was developed
by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania. It
contained over 18,000 vacuum tubes, weighed thirty tons and was housed in
two stories of a building. Another computer, EDVAC, was designed to store
two programs at once and switch between the sets of instructions.
• During 1980s, the size of computers decreased, at the same time, technology
provided faster chips, additional RAM and greater storage capacity. The use
of microcomputers during the 1980's expanded tremendously into the
homes, schools, libraries and offices specially in developed countries.
• The UNESCO started distributing Micro CDS / ISIS in 1980s through its
distribution centre in every developed country. Free availability of Micro
CDS / ISIS, developed specially for library applications, proved a boon for
the librarians in developing countries.
• Several integrated library package started appearing in the market place. The
LibSys in India was launched towards the end of 1980s.
• The introduction of CD-ROMs in the late 80s changed the way libraries
operate. CD-ROMs became available containing databases, software, and
information previously only available through print, making the information
more accessible.
• The Internet gave rise to yet another era in library automation. The use of
networks for e-mail, ftp, telnet, Internet, and connections to on-line
commercial systems grew.
• The World Wide Web developed in 1993 became the fastest growing media
of information delivery of all kinds.
• Expert systems and knowledge systems became available in the 90s with
improvement in software and hardware capabilities. With the development
of more advanced silicon computer chips, enlarged storage space and faster,
increased capacity telecommunication lines, the ability to quickly process,
store, send and retrieve information is causing the current information
delivery services to flourish.
4. Need & Purpose of Library Automation
• The library staff, specially the younger ones, finds use of computers
interesting and exciting. Use of computers can be a motivating factor for
several library staff members;
The process of automating library requires hardware both for hosting the library
software and databases, i.e. servers, as well as computers to access it, i.e. clients.
Server for library automation need to be computationally powerful, have adequate
memory to handle the multiple access and transactions both by library staff as well
as by the library users, have sufficient and secure disc storage for the database(s)
and have good communication capabilities. It is important that the server is
scalable so that additional storage, processing power or networking capabilities can
be added, whenever required.
Clients are the machines that reside on the user’s end or kept in library for users to
access library OPAC. PCs with adequate hardware and requisite software to access
Library OPAC may be presecribed so as to achieve efficient and effective
interaction with the library OPAC. Access to Web version of OPAC (Web OPAC)
requires an Internet-enabled multimedia PC equipped with an Internet Browser
like Internet Explorer and Google Chrome as their clients.
Sr.
Software Packages Name of Developers
No.
ABCD (Automation of LiBraries
1 BIREME (WHO, Brazil)
and Cen-ters of Documentation)
2 E-Granthalaya NIC
3 Evergreen Georgia Public Library System
4 KOHA Katipo Communications Ltd
5 Liberty 3 Softlink Asia
6 Libman Master’s Software, Nagpur
7 Librarian Suite Soft-Aid Computers Ltd
8 Libsoft LIBSOFT SOLUTIONS
9 Libsys Libsys Corporation
10 Libtech Libtech Software Developers
11 Nettlib Kaptron Pvt Ltd
12 NewGenLib Verus Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
13 OPALS Media Flex Inc
14 SLIM ++ & SLIM 21 Algorhythms Consultants Pvt Ltd
15 SOUL INFLIBNET Centre
16 Troodan Comtek Computers
Virginia Tech Library System
17 Virtua
(VTLS) Inc
Table-1 Important Library Automation Software with Developers Name
ii. Database of Journals: The database of journals would include not only the
current journals and issues received, but complete holdings of journals
including back volumes of current journals as well as those which have been
discontinued or ceased publications. Storage capacity required for storing the
database of journals would depend upon the number of journals that the library
has.
iii. Patron Database: Patron database would consist of names of authorized users
along with their categories, which, in turn, determines their privileges in terms
of number and types of documents that they can borrow and period of issue.
The patron database requires regular updation as new users register and when
the existing members leave. In an educational institution, patron database
requires updation more regularly, at least every semester as new batches of
students join and the existing ones leave after completing their courses. As
every book requires a unique accession number, every patron requires a unique
membership number. It would be ideal that a unique identification number, i.e.
enrolment number in case of student, and employee code in case of staff is used
as unique number across an institution.
5.5 Retroconversion of Bibliographic Records
There are a wide range of options available to libraries for retrospective conversion
of bibliographic records available in a library. These methods include:
iii. Scanning Title Page: Software programs have also been developed to scan
title page of a book, OCR it and transfer the OCRed content into the
software with minimum human interference. However, success rates in
OCR and intelligent recognition of appropriate field and sub-field is very
low in most of the cases.
In practice, libraries will have to adopt a mixture of above mentioned
methodologies depending on the quality and content of the catalogue to be
converted. A typical library in India may not get more than 45 to 50% of its
records from OCLC or any other external sources. Remaining cataloguing records
have to be produced locally by direct keying them in.
It may also be necessary to impart basic level training to staff members before
training them on the library software. Some of the staff members may not have any
exposure on use of computers. A basic training programme is also essential for the
user of the library to make them competent to use library softwares most
effectively. It is important that users are also trained in the art of searching the
OPAC so that they can conduct better searches that provide better results and save
their time. Proper training would make library staff more competent enabling them
to provide qualitative services.
Besides training existing library staff, it may also be advisable to hire additional
manpower with qualifications and experience in computer applications in libraries.
The library may also bank upon expertise available within the Institute in its
Computer Centre.
The name Z39 came from the ANSI committee on libraries, publishing and
information services which was named Z39. NISO standards are numbered
sequentially and Z39 is the 50th standard developed by the NISO. The current
version of Z39.50 was adopted in 1995 superseding earlier versions adopted in
1992 and 1988 respectively.
As Patrick LeBoeuf put it, FRBR is "a framework for commonly shared
understanding". It describes what librarians generally agree on in general terms. It's
not a revolutionary system of new ideas and can't be thought of in abstraction from
the past library experience and the current library practices.
The Dublin Core refers to a set of metadata element that may be assigned to web
pages so as to facilitate discovery of electronic resources. Originally conceived for
author-generated description of web resources at the OCLC/NCSA Metadata
Workshop held at Dublin, Ohio in 1995, it has attracted the attention of formal
resource description communities such as museums, libraries, government
agencies, and commercial organizations. The Dublin Core Workshop Series has
gathered experts from the library world, the networking and digital library research
communities, and a variety of content specialists in a series of invitational
workshops. The building of an interdisciplinary, international consensus around a
core element set is the central feature of the Dublin Core. A set of 17 core elements
in Dublin Core include: Title, Creator, Subject and Keywords, Description,
Publisher, Contributor, Date, Resource Type, Format, Resource Identifier, Source,
Language, Relation, Coverage, Rights Management, Audience, RightsHolder.
Dublin Core is being expanded with “qualifiers” for each core elements. For
example, core element “creator” can further be qualified as “creator.author” or
“creator.compiler” or “creator.editor” to specify that creator is an author, or a
compiler or an editor.
The ISO InterLibrary Loan Protocol (ISO ILL) was developed to provide uniform
procedures when accessing a library across a network to order copy or loan
material, and for carrying out the administrative tasks involved in loan
management. However, it only provides ordering and loan management
functionality, it does not provide any services to search for or locate an item nor to
have the item delivered electronically although it provides some facilities for
billing and accounting, these are fairly simple.
The standard defines a number of services available to the requesting site and the
supplying site. The standard models the activities involved in a variety of
scenarios, which include:
The ILL protocol is described and defined in two standards documents: ISO 10160
Interlibrary Loan Application Service Definition and ISO 10161 Interlibrary Loan
Application Protocol Specification [ILL]. The standard was first approved by ISO
in 1991 after several years of collaborative international development, consultation
and review.
The Open URLs are defined as an interoperability model that facilitates context-
sensitive reference linking in distributed libraries. Powell, A (2001) defines it as a
mechanism for encoding a citation for an information resource, typically a
bibliographic resource, as a URL. The open URL is, in effect, an actionable URL
that transponds metadata, or keys to access metadata, for the object for which the
Open URL is provided. It is syntax to create web-transportable packages of
metadata and/or identifiers about the information object. Such packages are at the
core of context-sensitive or open linking technology. Open URL is a dynamic URL
that carries metadata (instead of the address of specific web page) as a
representation of information of a bibliographic resource. It consists of metadata
representing a citation, which can be moved from one system to another.
SRW and SRU are intended to define a standard form for Internet search queries as
well as the structure of the responses. SRW/U was developed mainly with the aim
of simplifying some of the complexities involved with the Z39.50 protocol, while
keeping the useful parts of the protocol, such as CQL3 query syntax. SRU/SRW
services are easy to implement compared to Z39.50, mainly because SRU/SRW
are Web-based protocols. Another important benefit is that SRU and SRW can be
combined with other Web-driven applications such as OpenURL. Typically,
SRU/SRW queries are encoded in URLs, the search results are in XML, and their
records are encoded using the DC format.
7.1 Cataloguing
Most integrated library system permit direct entry of original cataloguing data
through input screens as well as import of machine-readable cataloguing records
from machine-readable sources such as MARC–format tapes / CDs produced by
national libraries, bibliographic utilities, retrospective conversion services or other
sources. Many integrated library system also support an online interface for direct
transfer of cataloguing records from bibliographic utilities such as OCLC or
Library of Congress or CD-ROM information products. In some integrated library
systems, cataloguing workforms are displayed with field names as an alternative to
MARC 21 tags and subfield codes. In client / server implementations, cataloguing
workstations are Windows-based microcomputers with graphic user interfaces.
Depending on the system or customer preferences, newly entered catalogue records
may update a database of library immediately or at scheduled intervals.
The introduction of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) modules in the late
1970s and early 1980s signaled the transition from single-purpose circulation
control systems to truly integrated library system. For many libraries, the
implementation of an online catalogue as a substitute for a card or book form
catalogue is the principal motive for installing an integrated library system.
All OPAC modules permit searches by author, title, and subject. Typically, a user
specifies a field to be searched and a name, subject heading, or other value to be
matched. Other retrieval capabilities vary from system to system. For maximum
flexibility, some integrated library systems allow any library-designated field
within bibliographic records to be indexed for retrieval purposes. In other cases,
indexed fields are predetermined by the vendor, but the list is often sufficiently
broad to satisfy diverse library requirements. Root-word searching, relational
expressions in search statements, and Boolean operations are commonplace. Some
integrated library system permit keyword searching of designated fields,
particularly titles and subject headings. Several integrated library system support
proximity commands, wildcard characters, and other capabilities commonly
associated with full-text retrieval systems. Such capabilities are most relevant for
bibliographic records that contain abstracts or other long text segments. Some
integrated library system allow a library to define a portion of its holdings, such as
a special collections catalogue, that can be searched separately. For example in
LibSys, text books, Ph.D. theses, reference collections, etc. can be searched
separately as well as together with the entire database.
Bar codes and RFID are two automatic identification technology that are used in
the process of circulation. These two technologies are briefly described in this
module.
7.4 Acquisition
• Book selection;
• Pre-order searching;
• Approval processes: printing of approval list and subsequent follow-up
(approved, not approved, duplicate, etc.;
• Print or e-mail purchase orders for books;
• Query letters to vendors;
• Print or e-mail reminders / cancellation;
• Handle standing orders, blanket orders, prepaid orders, gifts and exchanges,
membership, etc.;
• Receipt and accessioning of documents (system-generated accessioning /
manual accessioning);
• Invoice processing;
• Payment requisition to accounts for releasing payment;
• Reminders and follow-ups for non-receipted documents;
• Handle budgeting / distribution of budget amongst Departments / Centres /
Schools and Division, etc. and generating budget status reports;
• Print accession list;
• Notification to users (arrival of books / out-of-stock / out-of-print, etc.);
• Vendor performance report;
• Report on out-standing orders / orders under process / books under process;
and
• Handling queries on acquisition such as title in process, pending and
overdue orders, pending titles, etc.
Most library integrated systems requires creation and maintenance of a number of
pre-defined “masters” before using the acquisition module. These masters are used
by the software uniformly for procurement of documents. Masters specific to
acquisition module are: Currency Management, Vendor Management, Budget
Management, etc. A screenshot of main menu of a Acquisition Module of SOUL
2.0 software is given below:
The serial control module keep track of publication patterns and will predict the
receipt of specific issues. Claiming notices for missing issues may be produced
manually or automatically. Some integrated library system support electronic
transmission of claims. Serials holdings information is included in the library’s
OPAC, which is updated to reflect the receipt of new issues. Typical management
and statistical reports include serials catalogues and union lists, on-order lists, lists
of issues received, lists of issues past due, lists of claiming notices sent, and vendor
performance reports. Some integrated library systems will also print routing slips
for received issues and pull-slips for items to be sent to the bindery.
Fully-developed serials control module can accommodate a broad range of routines
required for automating serials acquisition and management including the
followings:
Depending on the integrated system, a few more modules are offered either at
bundled cost or at additional cost that provide useful functionality. Many
integrated systems, for example, offer report-generation modules with customized
output capabilities that supplement the preformatted management and statistical
reports produced by cataloguing, circulation control, acquisitions and article
indexing modules. Media booking modules provide circulation control for
videotapes, films, and other audiovisual media, as well as equipment and facilities
that are subject to advance reservations. Typical management reports and notices
include media catalogues, reservation work slips and schedules, media activity
reports, overdue notices, and usage summaries. Reserve room management is
principally intended for academic libraries.
8. Automatic Identification
Bar code technology is being used in library and businesses for past 35 years to
minimize data entry errors, speed processes, and reduce costs. Most books,
journals as well as other consumer products in the market carry black and white
thin and thick strips. These black and white strips are known as barcodes. Barcode
technology offers a mechanism that can be used for identification, location and
tracking of items that are bar coded. Book Bank modules are typically required by
academic libraries that facilitate long-term issue (for given semister) of multiple
nos. of text books to students entitled for the facility.
Barcode is not a new technology, it was introduced in 1940 although it was first
applied commercially in 1960’s as a method for tracking rail road cars. Since then,
it has been used extensively in consumer industry, material handling industries and
libraries. The structure of a barcode is given below:
In the past few years, the cost of RFID tags have come down drastically. Low cost
RFID tags, typically costs less than Rs. 40.00 each for up to 1 metre range making
the technology affordable as an alternative to the barcode, magnetic strip or printed
label. RFID has advantages that include tolerance of mis-orientation and
obscuration, lower cost over life and ability to “read”. Most importantly, RFID tags
are cheap enough to be disposable and thin enough to go even inside the sheets of
paper in some cases.
Some of the important next-generation features and functionalities that the next
generation library management software should support (Wang, 2012), are as
follows:
iv. Ability to Meet the Challenges of New Library Workflow: The process of
acquisition and licensing of e-resources is not only different from acquisition of
physical resources, it is also complex involving multiple decisions and multiple
steps at various stages in the process of acquisition and delivery of e-resources.
As such, the next generation Library System should not only be different from
the existing library system, it requires completely new workflow facilitating
customization and flexibility. The next generation systems should be able to
unify the acquisition of electronic information resources, such as e-books and e-
journals as well as traditional print materials in the same system.
v. Next Generation Discovery Service: One of the most important feature of the
next-generation library system is ‘discovery service’ that will offer the
possibility of unified search to local print holdings (OPAC), specialized and
commercial databases subscribed by the library, local repositories and open
access resources with built-in social networking capabilities.
The next generation library system should offer a single search box for all types
of resources with features for advanced relevance ranking, faceted search,
social tagging of records, persistent links to records, RSS feeds for searches,
and the ability to save searches or export selected records to standard
bibliographic management software programs. The system should be integrated
with the library’s OPAC with a smart interface and navigational facility
retaining features for providing real-time circulation status, prominent
borrowers of a book, etc.
The next generation library management software should support some of the
important next-generation features and functionalities such as Cloud-based
Application, Comprehensive Library Resources Management, Service-oriented
Architecture, Ability to Meet the Challenges of New Library Workflow, Next
Generation Discovery Service etc.
10. Summary
A number of integrated library software packages are now available in the market,
such as Libsys, SOUL, Virtua, SLIM++ etc.for automating all library operations.
The library automation package should be selected in such a way that it should
satisfy the present and prospective requirements of a library.
There are a wide range of options available to libraries for retrospective conversion
of bibliographic records of documents available in their libraries. These methods
include direct keying-in of records, buying records from external source like
OCLC, downloading records from Library of Congress Online Catalogue /
INFLIBNET`s Union Catalogue of Books and scanning of title page.
Most integrated library systems covers five modules i.e. acquisition, cataloguing,
Library OPAC, circulation and serials control, that are used to automate various in-
house operations of a library. Besides, several integrated library systems also offer
additional modules for article indexing, stock verification, report generation,
handling media, etc. Bar code technology and RFID are two automatic
identification technology used for library automation.
11. References
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20.Wang, Y and Dawes, T.A., The next generation integrated library system: A
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