SOFTWARE PACKAGES FOR LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

Nothing seems more important to many of us than reading a book. “When in doubt, go to the library,” suggested J.K. Rowling, the author of the popular fantasy novel Harry Potter. Libraries have long been regarded as a reliable source of information. Because of digitalisation, libraries now operate in a different way. Library administration has advanced to a degree that was unimaginable in the pre-cyber era. Investing in effective Library Management Software solutions is critical for any library.

A very few commercial software packages are also discussed: – NewGenLib

• OpenBiblio • Sanjay • DEL-PLUS • Evergreen • Firefly • E-Granthalaya • Koha • Library Information and Management System (LIMS) • Library Manager • LibSys • NewGenLib • OpenBiblio • Sanjay
• SOUL2.0 • WEBLIS • Small Library Organizer Pro.

What are the Benefits of Investing in Library Management Software Systems?

The concept of a library has progressed so much from closed stacks of books to open stacks; from digital resources to e-collections, that we now have virtual users from all over the world utilizing the service at any time they want. Aside from allowing re-entry, A part from allowing access to resources, typically, a library must be able to handle other actions like; acquisition, inventory, finance, circulation, generating statistical reports, and other references. There are a few commercial software products mentioned as well: –

• Traditional Library Functions Included in DEL-PLUS: – • Manually labelling, accessing, shelving, and searching • a slew of manual process operations Because the majority of the management tasks were done by hand, there was a considerable risk of errors and mishandling with inventory collections and records maintenance.

How to choose the best libraries: Both users and librarians have had it made easier. Today, library management and automation tools are widely used.

Benefits of Using Library Management Software • To automate the workflow • To reduce handling costs • To eliminate errors • To ensure that your library remains visible library Automation Software? • To offer value • To maintain intuitive usability • To make access simple • To keep the database up to date • To attract new readers, and so on. Both users and librarians have had it made easier.

Library Software Selection Steps: –

The complete process of library software selection may be fragmented in following steps: –

• Background Study of System Analysis
• Each functional unit or module of any modern LMS must support the following features as a bare minimum: –

• Control of bibliographic information

• Authority Management

• Public Access Catalogue (online) (OPAC)

• Control of Circulation

• Control of Serials What is to be computerized
• Defining Guidelines for Software selection
• Collection of information
• Evaluation and Comparison
• Demonstration and Feedback
• Customizations
• Final Selection
• KOHA • EVERGREEN • BIBLIOTEQ • OPENBIBLIO • INVENIO • PMB • OPALS • NEWGENLIB • KOHA • EVERGREEN • BIBLIOTEQ • OPENBIBLIO • INVENIO • PMB • OPALS • NEWGENLIB

 As we get closer to a fully digital era, libraries, like any other industry, are navigating this transition and mastering management. Libraries that have a comprehensive Library Management Software System are finding it easier to establish, expand, and improve. In addition, the entire process of selecting library software packages is highly difficult and time-consuming. It also necessitates a thorough understanding of current library systems and trends, as well as a working knowledge of various software packages. The question may emerge as to why librarians should not choose an in-house designed library software package if so much research is necessary by them to choose a library software package.

Bibliography

• S.M.H. Colin, Dictionary of Computing, Universal Books Stall, New Delhi, 1990, p.236.
• INFLIBNET, Training Manual for the 17th Training Course on Computer Applications in Libraries and Information Services, Ahmadabad, INFLIBNET, 1998, p.177.
• Management Perspective on Programs, Programming, and Productivity, Robert C. Kendall. The paper was presented at GUIDE14 in Atlanta, Georgia, in November of 1977. 4. Involvement in an information society Greenwich, K.W., and Pedersen, F.H., eds. Luxembourg: European Communities Commission, 1984, pp.169-181.
• Clive Bingley, London, 1980, P.195, J.E. Rowley, Computer for Libraries.
• Sharma and S.K. Pandey, Library computerization: theory and practise, ESS ESS Publication, New Delhi, 1993, p. 182.