UNIT-8 : LIBRARY AUTOMATION AND NETWORKS

Syllabus:
 Introduction to Library Automation
 Areas of Automation
 Planning, Implementation and Evaluation of Library Automation
 Hardware and Software selection
 Standards for Library Automation
 Resource Sharing, inter Library Loan and Library Consortia
 Softwares of Library Automation : Open Source and Commercial
 OPAC, Web Opac, RFID and Barcode technology
 OCLC and WorldCat
 Library Networks
 Information Systems
Introduction to Library Automation:
Library Automation: Definition :
The word autoination has been derived from a Greek word "Automose" which
means something which has the power of spontaneous motion or self movement.
Automation, when used in a library context, refers to the computerization or
mechanisation of all library activities.
The term automation was first introduced by D. S. Harder in 1936 but the word
library automation has been used in literature for the last five decades.

Automation is defined as a technique, a process, or a system which operates

automatically. According to the Encyclopaedia of Library and Information Science,
“Automation is the technology concerned with a design and development of the
process and systems that minimize the necessity of human intervention in their
operation.”

Library automation is the general term for ICT applications in the library, which
has replaced manual systems in libraries. This replacement ensures effective
management and utilization of the library resources. There are many library
automation software available in the market which are both proprietary and open
source software. This unit offers a brief overview of SOUL and KOHA which are
used to create a library database.
To go with the library automation, the willingness of the librarian and library
committee is a must. The library should also have proper planning and adequate
finance. The availability of hardware (server, UPS, scanner, printer, storage media,
etc), software (operating system, system software, application software, library
automation software, etc), and also trained manpower together form the
prerequisite for the library automation.

Among all the universities in India, Hyderabad University Library was the first to
start its automation project by using Libsys software. It gets the software free of
cost from the Lybsys Corporation (Now Libsys Ltd) as parts of its development
programme.

The main objective of library automation is to improve the level of service and
quality of output, and to fulfil needs that cannot be achieved by manual system,
such as:
(i) sharing of resources,
(ii) information that appears only in electronic format (e.g. CD-ROM, Internet
resources,
databases, etc.

It can be said that library automation efforts began in the 1930s when punched
card eiquipment was used in library circulation and acquisitions. During the 1930s
the early 1940s progress on computer systems was slow. The whole automation
pheonolnenon in our society began with a Librarian in a way Herman Hollerith of
the US Census Bureau who invented punched card System. in 1935, Dr. Ralph H.
Parker created a circulation control system at the Uiliversity of Texas at Austin
using Hollerith or 80 column IBM punched cards and equipment by IBM"

Special Features of Library Automation:

 It is an electronics based activity which is carried out by human beings

 It is helpful to providing library services
 Standardization in library work
 Accuracy in work
 Speedily communication of information
 Avoid duplication in the library work
 Trained staff
 Availability of information
 It is a time saving system
 User friendly system
  Networking

Basic Requirements for Library Automation:

 Adequate collection
 Financial assistance
 Hardware
 Software
 Trained staff
 User training
 Maintenance & development

We need library automation for the following reasons:

_ To cope with increasing demands for services in terms of frequency and speed
_ To reduce staff or prevent staff increases
_ To improve the efficiency of the clerical and paraprofessional staff
_ To provide new forms of old services (electronic access)
_ To improve access to existing services (remote login, etc.)
_ To provide new (increasingly digital) information services
_ Document delivery very fast, frequently online

Advantages of library automation:

Library automation has many advantages, such as:

i. It improves the quality, speed and effectiveness of services
ii. Relieves professional staff from clerical work
iii. Makes it accessible to remote users
iv. Facilitates wider dissemination of information products and services
v. Enables resource sharing among other library networks (Union Catalogues)
vi. Enables rapid communication with other libraries
vii. Improves the management of physical and financial resources.

 Self Survival in the New Environment

 Speeding up the Operation
 Accuracy and Reliability
 Budget Saving
 Simultaneous and Decentralization Access
 Storage, Retrieval and Protection of Information
 Exception Reporting and New Services
  Automatic Statistics Generation
 OPAC
 Stock Taking
 Resource Sharing and Inter Library Loan

Disdvantages of library automation:

 It is long term and time consuming process

 Financial expenses
 Continuous staff training are required for it
 Security problems
 It is totally depended on the electricity
 Costly maintenance
 Untrained users

Barriers of library automation:

 Fear of adverse impact on employment.

 Apprehension that the technology could be too
 expensive.
 The library staff has to undergo extensive training.
 Lack of support from the management.
 Retrospective conversion of data.
 Designing a sophisticated computer programs

AREAS OF COMPUTER APPLICATION IN LIBRARY:

A modern library cannot be imagined without the application of computers. In the

library and information centres computers can be used for performing efficiently
all sorts of jobs from the procurement of the reading materials to their
organization and use. So, it can serve as a remedy for all the existing problems of
libraries and information centres.

A)Library House Keeping Operation: In case of library house keeping operation,

the computer is used for acquisition of books and other reading materials, their
classification, cataloguing, circulation and serial control.

i) Acquisition:
In the acquisition process, the members' requirements are understood through
various methods. After identifying users' requirements, the library staff prepares
a standard list of books along with the bibliographic description. Thereafter, the
list is presented before the library committee for approval. As soon as the
committee approves the final list of books, the library staff prepares a purchase
order (keeping in view the specialization and capability of the book
supplier/vendor while mentioning specific conditions, like discount, etc.). In due
course of time, the book supplier delivers all the required documents to the
library. Once, the books are received from the supplier, the staff cross checks the
books and compares it with the purchase order. The books are, then forwarded
for accessioning, while the corresponding bill is forwarded for final payment.

The selection of materials can be made by the computer. Any library which is a
part of online computerized library system has access to catalogue entries and
bibliographic data of all the libraries in the system. These databases can be used
as a selection tools to purchase new documents for the particular library in
question.

The acquisition section in a library acquires reading material (books, electronic

material, maps, charts, etc.). Manual acquisition system requires the maintenance
of vast amount of data, innumerable files, records, etc., which involve tedious
routine and repetitive tasks. The computers can perform these tasks faster and
more accurately.

The following are the main tasks in the acquisition section.

 Selection of documents
 Ordering of documents
 Create purchase orders
 Claiming/cancellation of documents
 Receiving/invoice processing
 Extended procurements
 Gift tracking
 Maintaining information about all library related funds
 Tracking fund allocations and adjustments
 Expenditure out of allocated funds
 Cash balance
 Updating of fiscal information through recording of specific transactions,
and
 Tracking up-to-date expenditures.
ii) Classification: A computer based classification system is being experimented at
the Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore. It is based on Colon
Classification System.

iii) Cataloguing:
After the accessioning process, each book undergoes technical processing. The
library staff performs classification and cataloguing work simultaneously. In the
process of cataloguing, catalogue cards (main entry and added entries) are
prepared based on a cataloguing standard, like AACR-2 or CCC. While preparing
the catalogue card, library staff writes or types the required bibliographic
description, for preparing a specific card for each book. Once, the process of
preparing cards for the recently purchased books is done, the books are ready to
be placed in the stacks.

The computerized cataloguing system operates with high speed for performing
routine and repetitive jobs. Besides, in the cataloguing unit, computer can also be
used in various other ways such as producing book plates, book pockets, book
cards, spine labels, etc. It can also produce a variety of records, card catalogues in
the book form, printed catalogue, etc as byproducts.

The features of the catalogue module are:

 allows cataloguers to create their own templates for data entry of different
library
resources
 different templates for leaders and fixed fields of MARC-21
 allows user-generated customized reports
 facilitates authority database of person name, corporate body, subject
headings and
series name
 supports copy cataloguing in MARC-21 format by using ISO-2709 standard
master database of publishers
 multi-lingual database, by using Unicode Character set
supports full MARC 21 bibliographic format

iv) Serial Control:

As mentioned earlier, all periodicals or journals have their specific periodicity,

which may not only vary from others but the date of delivery may also differ in
case of common periodicity. For the periodicals section, it is essential to be alert
and take the due action on time.
The periodicals section receives the subscribed periodicals and performs serials'
check on regular basis. In this process, new issues of current periodical titles are
received and their details are entered in library records (Kardex). Thus the
indexing system or cataloguing system of periodicals section is updated on regular
basis. All the current titles are placed in the display shelf until their volume is
completed. The periodical is transferred to the binding section, when all its issues
for a volume have been received. Services such as, the Current Awareness Service
(CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Service, Indexing Service,
Abstracting Service, Routing of Periodicals Service and Circulation of Bound
Volumes Service are also performed.

Serials are continuing publication having reasonably permanent titles and

appearing usually at regular intervals. Their contents usually vary from issue to
issue. An article as a single bibliographic unit may be published in more than one
issue and even in more than one volume.

The management of serials is the most complicated job for a library. This module
keeps track of serials in the library, effectively and efficiently.
The serial control module is developed based on the KARDEX system and has the
following functions built into it:

 suggestions;
 master databases;
 subscriptions;
 check-in of individual issues of journals;
 payment, reminder, binding, and title history;
 export / import by using ISO 2709 bibliographic exchange format;
 article indexing of journal/book articles;
 cataloguing of electronic journals;
 track of the history changes of the journals

v) Circulation Control:

In the circulation process, documents are provided on loan to the library users. In
this service, a user is allowed to borrow library documents for a specific period of
time. The circulation process is controlled on the basis of a library's circulation
policy. In this circulation policy, various categories of library users and types of
documents are identified during technical processing. The circulation policy
specifies which type of user is entitled to get a specific type of document and for
how many days. For example, in school libraries, user types are students,
teachers, and staff members,. The document types are text books, reference
books, periodicals, periodical bound volumes, etc. It is important to understand
that the circulation policy specifies the type of document entitlement, for each
category of users, and the specific period of loan of documents. For example, a
student can take two textbooks for a period of one week, besides he cannot get
other types of documents issued. The policy also specifies that if somebody holds
documents beyond the permitted time limit, he/she will be charged an overdue
fine. If a user does not return books within the due date, it is the duty of the
library staff to remind him/her so that the specific book(s) may be provided to
other users.

The circulation activities are the life-stream of the library services. The library
documents are for use and are intended for the users. At various points,
documents are to be trapped for the
users who have recorded their priority in using such documents. The circulation is
a flow of document, but the flow should be controlled by library operations so as
to serve the users in the best possible way with the available materials in the
library.

The Circulation section involves direct interaction between users and staff, and
therefore requires efficient and speedy service.

The main functions in the circulation section are as follows:

 Issue (charge) of documents

 Return (discharge) of documents
 Renewal of documents
 Reservation of documents
 Processing schedules
 Hold of documents
 Message notices to users
 Transaction recording devices for off-line processing, and
 Inventory control

B) Library Administrations: In case of library administration, the library

automation helps in

a) Providing Access Right to Staff Members

b) Providing Access Right to Library Users
c) Exception Reporting
d) Generation of Library Statistics / Report

Information Retrieval: Today, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) or

sometimes Web OPAC facility provided by the library and information centres
helps in easy retrieval of information. Computers are also used for searching
Library Database: eg. International Nuclear Information System.

D) Building Digital / Virtual Libraries Collection: Computers can also be used to

build digital or virtual collection or for institutional repository of the library.

E) Resource Sharing: In order to facilitate the provision of material request on

inter library loan basis, the use of computers and other latest telecommunication
devices is being put to use in almost all the countries of the world. The Online
Union catalogue is also a product of computer
application in library.

F) Library Network: INFLIBNET, Developing Library Network (DELNET) is the

example of taking library automation as its first step or base structure.

G) Information System: World Science Information System (UNISIST), Medical

Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS), illustrate the advanced stage
of library automation.

H) User Services: The library automation also helps to provide Current Awareness
Service (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Services, Indexing and
Abstracting Service, Web Based Translation Service

I) Reporting : In addition to the operations mentioned above, the Library

automation software has to be managed in such a way that users get maximum
benefit, safeguards are in place, and
timely access of material is ensured. The reporting features of Library automation
software includes the following:

 Various reports and statistics related to library activities

 Tools for the analysis of statistical information
 Lists of user, publishers and suppliers
 Stock verification and develops stock verification report, etc.
  Besides the above, this function generates messages for library staff and
users. It also
 generates reports on lost books, missing books, books sent for binding, and
so on for
the purpose of library administration.

Problems in Manual Library Housekeeping Operations:

In the process of performing various housekeeping tasks manually, the library

staff faces the following problems:

The bibliographic description of a book is entered repeatedly for performing

different tasks like preparing list of books to be purchased, preparing purchase
order, preparing catalogue cards, preparing shelf list, writing different types of
reminders and in circulation process.

It is quite difficult to issue separate reminders for each defaulter. If the count of
current titles of the periodical section is large, it becomes difficult to memorize
various aspects like their periodicity, due date of delivery, due date of sending
subscription and due date of sending reminders.

It is also difficult to maintaining cataloguing/documentation support regularly.

Providing additional services in various housekeeping sections like Online Public
Access Catalogue (OPAC), Current Awareness Service (CAS), Selective
Dissemination of Information (SDI) Service, Indexing Service, Abstracting Service,
Routing of Periodicals Service, Circulation of Bound Volumes Service and
Reservation of Books Service for borrowing, etc. Additional library support
requires adequate staff members, which leads to further financial liability in
manual process of housekeeping operations.

Planning, Implementation and Evaluation of Library Automation

Planning:
Selecting, procuring, and introducing an automated system is too complex a
process to list procedures in a step-by-step formula that will fit all institutions
under all circumstances. The level of formal procedure in planning and
implementing an automation project varies widely according to library preference
and the nature of the application. The human element is a very important aspect
in implementing an automated system. At the most general level, the library
needs to identify who will be involved, when, and for what purpose, in the
automating process of the library. A library may interact with the following people
in implementing an automated
system or service - library staff. administrative and governing authorities, I-
cgulatory agencies and purchasing departments, conlputer center personnel,
vendors, consultants and attorneys, other libraries, and library users

Evaluation:

Once the proposals have been received, the library is ready to begin the
evaluation phase. The three things which are to be evaluated are -the proposals
themselves, the systems being proposed, and the vendors presenting them. These
three are closely interrelated, and excluding any one may lead to a bad decision.
The following criteria are to be considered when evaluating the various
combinations of proposals, system, and vendor: Contract-related conditions

Functional capabilities and general requirements:

 System reliability and support channels

 Upgrade and enhancement
 Vendors
 Benchmark tests and demonstrations
 Delivery date and scheduling
 Costs
 Contracting
 Payment schedule
 Site, preparation
 Delivery and installation
 Training and documentation
 Acceptance tests
 Performance, remedial action, and damages
 Warranty
 Hardware maintenance agreements termination

Reasons for delay in implementation of the library automation projects are :

i) inadequate finance
ii) Lack of suitable software
iii) Lack of technical supports
iv) Lack of adequate training to the staff
v) Lack of right caliber persons
vi) Low demand
vii) Psychological problems
viii) Lack of knowledge in retrospective conversion
ix) Lack of management support

Resource Sharing

Encyclopaedia of Library and Information Science has defined two components of

the term, i.e. “Resource” and “Sharing”. Resource refers to a person, thing or
action to which one resorts to, when needed. Sharing implies allotting or
contributing one’s resources for the benefit of others. Resource sharing entails
reciprocity, implying a partnership in which each is willing and able to make
available resources when needed. The resources can be intellectual, conceptual
or physical. Intellectual or conceptual resources refer to manpower, expertise, or
services whereas, physical resources refer to documents, infrastructure, or
physical space.

Resource sharing as a concept involved sharing among libraries having some

affinity. Affinity could be based on subject, geographical area, clientele, etc.

Library networks

Library network has been defined as a “group of individuals or organisations that

are interconnected to form a system to accomplish some specified goal a network
is developed when a group of libraries and information centers have common
interest to exchange information through computer and communication
technology

Libraries have joined hands to cooperate and coordinate at various levels to form
networks.
A library network is a collective or cooperative activity of linking members/users
to the resources hosted on computers by means of telecommunication
connections. The networks are formed at local, national and regional level to
achieve the following goals:

 Provide democratic access to information

 Abridge document collection in different libraries

  Enable uniform practices in routines

Aim of Library Network:

 Maximizes the effective use of library resources

 Improve responses to user’s demands and to provide new services
 Improved efficiency in library operations
 Increase communications, idea-sharing
 Encourages system analysis and technique
 Improved library management

The functions of Library Networks are as follows:

 Provide Electronic Document Delivery

 Reference and Referral Service
 Acquisition
 Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Objectives of Networks:

 promote sharing of resources among the participating libraries through

computer networking
 facilitate and promote delivery of documents electronically
 co-ordinate with other regional, national and international networks for
exchange of information and documents for the use of libraries and users.

Library Networking Scenario in India :

 Library networks in India can be grouped into MAN and WAN

 MAN such as ADINET,CALIBNET,DELNET, MYLIBNET tc
 WAN are INFLIBNET and DELNET

LIBRARY NETWORKS: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL :

There are a number of library networks operational at national and international

level. These are based on different criteria, e.g. clientele, subject, geographical
area, etc. Some of the important networks are listed below:

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) :

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is an online database of library resources
which can be searched by the user to locate resources in a library or on the
network of a group of libraries. The early attempts to develop online library
catalogues were made by the Ohio State University in 1975 and the Dallas Public
Library in 1978, which gradually replaced the card catalogues. Later, the OPAC got
included as an important module in the advanced Library Management Systems.

OPAC is a computerized catalogue of the library resources, available to public for

searching online. In other words, OPAC is an interactive search module of an
automated Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). OPAC is very dynamic,
highly flexible, easy, and economical to maintain and capable to meet almost
every possible approach of the user. The searching capability is fast and accurate.

OPAC is the primary user interface of an ILMS, where the user can search the
entire library catalogue, easily and quickly, using one or more search criteria (e.g.,
author, title, key words, class number, subject, etc.). The results are displayed in
various formats such as AACR-2 and MARC. An OPAC can also be accessed from a
remote computer which is on a network (LAN/WAN). When a library OPAC is
provided on internet, it is called Web OPAC, where the remote user can access
the catalogue and avail certain services like online renewal, reservations, loan
requests, etc. from anywhere in the world with a proper internet connectivity.

OPAC is a computerized catalogue of the library resources, available to public for

searching online. In other words, OPAC is an interactive search module of an
automated Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). OPAC is very dynamic,
highly flexible, easy, and economical to maintain and capable to meet almost
every possible approach of the user. The searching capability is fast and accurate.

Web OPAC and Next Generation Catalogues:

Web OPAC is an Online Public Access Catalogue made available on the web. It
offers the user with a 24x7 access to the library catalogue. The user can search
the library catalogue and find the availability of library holdings. Simple and
advanced search options are available and many of the webOPACs offer online
renewal and reservation facilities to the members. A Next Generation Catalogue,
also termed as Catalogue 2.0, is a single point of entry for all the library
information. Here, 'information' refers to all library resources, including all
bibliographic information on printed books, journals, multimedia documents but
also links to full text electronic databases, digital archives, and any other library
resources.
These new generation catalogues use federated search engines for this one-stop
searching. The users are directed to electronic and printed resources which are
linked together on a single interface. Other features of the next generation
catalogues are, state of the art webinterface,
which is intuitive and visually appealing, enriched content (images of book covers,
CD cases, book summaries, tables of contents, reviews, etc.), faceted
navigation(which allow users to narrow down the search by facets, like, authors,
dates, types of material, subjects, location, etc.), simple keyword search box (like
popular search engines, e.g., Google) instead of controlled vocabulary, and
options for advanced search, relevancy (ranking of resources using many criteria
like circulation statistics, comments received, etc.), “Did you mean…?”(Spell
checking of search entries and recommending other search queries),
recommendations and related materials (suggestions to related materials), user
contributions (ratings, reviews, comments and tagging by the users) and RSS
Feeds (which give updates about new acquisitions and search updates).

Examples for Next Generation OPACs:

 Voyager ILS by Ex Libris,

 EBSCO Discovery Service (proprietary),
 Evergreen,
 Invenio,
 KOHA (open source).

RLG- Research Library Group:

 It is a non profit library network organisation founded in 1974 by the New

York Public library and Columbia, Harvard & Yale universities
 Supports users world wide access to research materials, archives and
museums
 Designs and delivers innovative information discovery services, Organises
collaborative programs
 Takes an active role in creating and promoting relevant standards and
practices
 It enables global resource sharing
 RLG’s complementary databases support access to research collections
around the world
 Online data available from RLG to meet local reference and cataloguing
needs
Criteria for Choosing Library Automation Software:

After taking a decision for moving towards an automated library system, we must
be very careful while finalising the automation software for our library. Once we
implement any specific software, library staff and the users are bound to make
use of it. A wrong decision on software selection may waste our efforts or finance.

Therefore, we should take care of the following issues before taking this long
lasting
decision:

General issues
 Acceptability of the software
 Cost
 Applicability in the library system
 Reputation of software designer
 Reputation and goodwill of software supplier

Technical issues
 Language of the interfaces
 Operating system
 Requirement of hardware configuration
 Additionally required software for implementing the automation software
 Data storage capacity
 Easy to use or not

Today, there are a number of commercial and open access Library automation
software/packages available for automating library and specially designed to
support library housekeeping operations (acquisition, cataloguing, circulation,
serial control, etc.).

An Integrated Library Management Software/ System (ILMS) is a library

automation system in which data is entered in one module to avoid data
redundancy. It integrates all the library activities, routine operations and
information retrieval operations of a library. Some of the significant library
automation software are, Software for University Libraries (SOUL), and Koha

SOUL: Software for University Libraries (SOUL) is an Integrated Library

Management Software
(ILMS). It is developed by the University Grants Commission's INFLIBNET Centre
located at Ahmedabad. Although it was primarily developed for fulfilling the
requirements of college and university libraries, it can be used by all types of
academic libraries. It works under client-server environment. The latest version of
this software is compliant to all popular international standards for bibliographic
description, protocols relating to networking and circulation. While checking its
history, its first version, SOUL 1.0 was released in 2000. Its latest version SOUL 2.0
was released in 2008. SOUL is acquired through payment. If any institution
acquires it after due payment, INFLIBNET may be installed on the desired system
and sufficient training on its operations is also provided.

The main features of SOUL 2.0 are:

 It provides multilingual support for Indian and other foreign languages

based on
UNICODE.
 It is compliant with MARC-21, AACR-II, MARC-XML, and other international
standards.
 In case of protocols, it is NCIP 2.0 complaint for RFID support and other
similar
 applications for facilitating electronic surveillance, self-check-out and
check-in
support.
 It is based on client-server architecture.
 It supports multi-platform for bibliographic databases like My SQL, MS-SQL,
etc.
 It also supports cataloguing practice of electronic documents like e-
journals, e-books,
etc.
 For digital libraries, it facilitates link to full-text articles and other similar
digital
objects.
 It provides default templates for data entry of various types of documents.
 Users can develop reports of their choice and format.
 It also supports the process of stock verification and book bank for
students.
 It provides inbuilt facility for sending reports through e-mails.
 It presents a user-friendly OPAC with simple and advanced search.
 It supports data exchange as it is ISO-2709 standard compliant.
 Its circulation is based on the concept of single window operation.
  INFLIBNET has appointed regional coordinators for all of the regions for
assistance
and maintenance work.
 It is provided at an affordable cost.

VIRTUA :
Virtua ILS (Integrated Library System) is a sophisticated, internationalized library
automation solution that addresses the full spectrum of library activities. This LMS
is designed and developed by VTLS Inc., Virginia, US. It uses off the- Shelf UNIX
hardware and the Oracle RDBMS to guarantee continued availability and support.

The important features of this world-class software:

 It is fully a parameterized software i.e. libraries can configure the setting to

achieve maximum flexibility;
 Supports national and international standards for data interchange;
 Provides support for excellent security options at different levels of access;
 Supports UNICODE and thereby enables the input and display of different
languages in their native scripts. In fact Virtua ILS ensures true multilingual
catalogue database;
 Supports multilingual authority control, and networked multimedia
database management and seamless access to multiple databases through
Z39.50 client;
 Ensures management of multiple libraries or branches across a library;

E-GRANTHALAYA:

This LMS is developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Bangalore centre to

suit the requirements of small and medium sized libraries. It is an easy-to use
software package and supports all the routine library operations.

 The first version of E-Granthalaya was released with the title e-Granthalaya
1.0 in the year 2003, it was based on MS SQL Server 7.
 The second version of E-Granthalaya was e-Granthalaya 2.0 and released in
the year 2005, it was based on MS SQL Server 2000.
 The third version was e-Granthalaya 3.0 and released in the year 2007, it
was based on
MS SQL Server 2005.
  Fourth and the latest version of E-Granthalaya is e-Granthalaya
4.0 released in the year 2013, it is based on MS SQL Server 2008
R2/PostGresSQL.

The General and Special features of the LMS are as follows:

 The package includes functional modules for administration, serials control,

acquisition, circulation, OPAC, reports and index;
 Generates customised reports and statistics of library usage
 OPAC allows simple and advance search options, supports web-enabled
searching;

GRANTHALAYA:

This CUI based (DOS & UNIX) modular LMS is developed on FoxPro byINSDOC
(now NISCAIR) for medium range libraries. It includes all the modules required for
day-to-day library operations. The package is made of seven modules – library
administration; query; circulation; acquisition; serials control; technical processing
and data administration

LIBSUITE :

This GUI or CUI LMS, developed by SOFT-AID Computer Ltd., Pune, is based on
web-centric architecture and designed to work with different media. LIBSUITE is
based on three-tire web centric architecture in which server machine uses
Windows NT/2000 and Internet Information Server (IIS) – as web server.

LIBSYS
LIBSYS is a fully integrated multi-user library management system based on client-
server model and supports open system architecture, web-based access and GUI.
This indigenous LMS is designed and developed by LibSys Corporation, New Delhi.
LIBSYS has seven basic modules – Acquisition; Cataloguing; Circulation; Serials;
OPAC; Web-OPAC and Article indexing.

The leading features of the different LIBSYS products such as LIBSYS 4.0, LS-
Premia, LS-Digital, LSmart and LSEase are as follows:

 Based on client-server model and TCP/IP for communication and

networking;
 Provides ANSI Z39.50 complaint web access for making the server
 accessible through Internet/Intranet;
 Supports web OPAC for accessing bibliographic databases through
Internet/Intranet
 Supports standard bibliographic formats like MARC 21, UNIMARC, CCF
etc.
 Offers SDI, CAS, fine calculation, e-mail reminders etc

LIBSYS supports operating systems Unix, Windows NT and Novell NetWare in

client-sever environment using TCP/IP protocol. It does not require any RDBMS as
it uses proprietary database but user library may opt for SQL server or Oracle as
backend RDBMS

NEWGENLIB:

NewGenLib is the result of collaboration between a charitable trust called

Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management (KIIKM),
Hyderabad and Verus Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

The following are the features of NEWGENLIB.

 Completely web based, and adheres to International standards, supports

web services and allows networking of unlimited number of libraries,
database and operating system independent and uses open-source, n-tier,
and Java based technologies for scalability, reliability and efficiency
 It adheres to international standards like MARC 21, ISO 2709
(Communication format), and AACR-2R. Cataloguing database design is
based on well proven database design to adhere to MARC and also
supports Unicode 3.0 and UTF-16 encoding format, by which it can
supportall the possible languages

Open Source Library Automation Softwares:

Introduction
At this juncture, it is quite clear that automating the library is a fruitful solution
for avoiding majority of problems. But it is also identified, that most of our
libraries, especially school and public libraries, run their services with a very small
budgetary/financial support. Such libraries may find it difficult to take any
initiative for automating the system. In such situations, choosing open source
software is the best solution.
Open Source: Meaning

Open source software is a software, available with its source code and license. Its
copyright holder is provided the right to study, modify and further distribute the
software to anybody for any type of purpose. Usually such software is developed
in a collaborative manner and anybody can download it for use without paying
any charge.

Open source software is, software that users have the ability to run, copy,
distribute, study, change, share and improve for any purpose. Open source library
software’s does not need the initial cost of commercial software and enables
libraries to have greater control over their working environment

A large number of open source software are available for automating libraries.
The most popular open source library automation software are: Koha, Evergreen,
Next GenLib, Koha, etc.,

Advantages of Open Source software:

 It is normally available free of cost.

 One can download it with its source code for any type of library usage.
 One is allowed to modify its source code for satisfying his/her
requirements.
 Its modified version can be distributed further, it is not required to take
anybody's permission.
 Being a popular solutions, it is easy to share or transfer information with
others.
 One can get regular assistance from the community members or users or
developers without paying any charge.

Disadvantages of Open Source software:

The major demerits of an open source software are as follow:

 Majority of open source software are not reliable.

 There is no dedicated support from the side of developer.
 The user must be well acquainted with the technology issues before using
it.
 There are not ready to use solutions and users are bound to perform a
number of
  tasks like installation, database designing, customization, etc. before using
it.
 It is not sure that the developers will essentially provide its updates.
 It is not essential that further support will be provided free of cost.
 It is a less secured system than any other proprietary solution.

KOHA :
 It is one of the most popular open source library management systems.
Created in
1999, it was developed in 2000 by Katipo Communications for the
Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand.
 KOHA being the first open source integrated library management
system, includes all the main features related to library management, like
easy interface for librarians and users, Web 2.0 compliant (tagging and RSS
feeds), union catalogue facility, customizable search, circulation and
borrower management, full acquisitions system including budgets and
pricing information, etc.
 It is a web-based open source software, which is distributed under the
general public license.
 KOHA works on Windows, UNIX, Linux and Mac OS platforms. KOHA is a
comprehensive system that has the capacity to run a library intelligently,
whether it is large or small, and supports copy cataloguing.
 It is based on the standards/protocols like Z39.50, MARC-21 and UNIMARC.
KOHA also has the capacity to manage digital libraries, online and offline
electronic resources.
Evergreen:

Evergreen ILS is another option when researching open source ILS options.
Developed by Equinox Software, Evergreen is a robust, enterprise level ILS
solution developed to be capable of supporting the workload of large libraries in a
fault-tolerant system. It too is standards compliant and uses the OPAC interface,
and offers many features including flexible administration, work-flow
customization, adaptable programming interfaces, and because its open source,
cannot be locked away and can benefit from any community contributions

CDS/ISIS:

CDS/ISIS is a software package for generalised Information Storage and Retrieval

systems developed, maintained and disseminated by UNESCO. It was first
released in 1985. CDS/ISIS is an acronym which stands for Computerised
Documentation Service / Integrated Set of Information Systems It is particularly
suited to bibliographical applications and is used for the catalogues of many small
and medium-sized libraries.
WEBLIS:

WEBLIS stands for Web based Library and Information System. This Web based ILS
is based on CDS/ISIS. It has been developed by the Institute for Computer and
Information Engineering (ICIE), Poland by combining CDS/ISIS and WWWISIS
engine (also developed by ICIE). It is freeware ILS and provides basic library
workflow support through four modules – Cataloguing system, OPAC (search),
LOAN module, Statistical module. WEBLIS is presently supported by
UNESCO.

Evaluation Of Software Packages:

Evaluation of ILS is an important task for library professional in selecting an ILS for
procurement and for migration from one ILS to another. Evaluation criteria must
be framed on the basis of factors like:
i) type and size of the library system;
ii) nature of library services;
iii) requirement of technical skills to handle the ILS;
iv) use of ILS in neighbouring libraries;
v) time needed to perform migration as well as regular maintenance;
vi) compliance of ILS with global standards in the domain of library services and
interoperability; and
vii) fund requirements for capital and recurring expenditure (remember
procurement of ILS is not one time capital expenditure, it also involves recurring
cost for annual maintenance and regular updation).

RFID:

Libraries began using RFID systems to replace their electro-magnetic and bar code
systems in the late 1990s. RFID radio waves are used to automatically identify
people and objects. It consists of a microchip and an antenna. Both chip and
antenna together form the RFID tag RFID has advantages over barcodes such as
the ability to hold more data, the ability to change the stored data as processing
occurs and is very -effective in harsh environment where barcode labels won’t
work. Some of the applications of RFID include animal identification, security
access, anti-theft systems, air car tracking and railway car tracking.
RFID improves library workflow, staff productivity and customer service with
these attributes.
Components of RFID System:

An RFID system comprises three components; a tag, a reader and an antenna.

a. RFID Tag
The tag is paper thin, flexible and approximately 2"x 2" in size which allows it to
be placed inconspicuously on the inside cover of each book in a library’s
collection. It consists of an etched antenna and a tiny chip, which stores vital
bibliographic data including a unique ID number to identify each item. This
contrasts with a barcode label, which does not store any information, but merely
points to a database.

b. RFID Reader & Antenna

These components are available in various shapes and sizes to suit respective
applications within the library, and are often integrated into one enclosure for
that specific purpose (i.e. patron self check-out machines, inventory readers). The
reader powers the antenna to generate an RF field. When a tag passes through
this RF field, the information stored on the chip is decoded by the reader, and
sent to the PC or central server, which in turn, communicates to the Library
Information System.
RFID systems tags are designed to operate at a number of designated
frequencies, depending on the application requirements and local radio-
frequency regulations:

 Low Frequency (125kHz);

 High Frequency (13.56MHz);
 Ultra High Frequency (860-960MHz);
 Microwave (2.45GHz)

Usage of RFID in Libraries: For inter library loan safeguarding an RFID tag from
one library shall be readable and usable in other libraries. An RFID application
shall have a standardized interface to any library system.

 To ensure independence of suppliers RFID tags shall be available from

several sources
 To ensure backwards compatibility RFID tags shall use the same
identification numbers as used on present barcode systems
  The library RFID applications shall comply with existing international
standards

Advantages of RFID in Libraries:

 It provides the self charging and discharging support.

 It facilitates a high level of reliability.
 The life of RFID Tag is quite long.
 It has changed the circulation system by facilitating fast circulation activity.
 It simplifies the process of stock verification.
 It partly supports theft detection.
 It facilitates a high level of security.
 It can easily identify misplaced documents inside the stack.
 RFID tags are very simple to install/inject inside the books.

Barcode technology:

Barcode technology plays an important role in automating various activities of a

library. The application of bar code technology increases the speed and accuracy
in library operations. Barcode technology provides a simple and inexpensive
method of encoding text information that is easily read by electronic devices. A
bar code consists of a series of parallel, adjacent bars and spaces. Predefined bar
and space patterns are used to encode small strings of character data into a
printed symbol. A bar code reader/scanner decodes a bar code by scanning a light
source across the bar code and measuring the intensity of light reflected back by
the white spaces. The pattern of reflected light is detected with a photodiode
which produces an electronic signal that exactly matches the printed bar code
pattern. This signal is then decoded back to the original data by electronic circuits.

 Barcodes are a patterns of bars and spaces of varying widths that

represented digits, letters or other punctuation symbols to identify an item
or object.
 Barcode by itself is not a system but an identification tool that provides an
accurate and timely support of the data requirement for sophisticated
management systems.
 Barcode usage increases accuracy in data collection saves time and
improves efficiency in library activities. The barcode system consists of the
following equipments
WHY BARCODING ?

 Faster data entry.

 Error-free data collection and entry.
 Tracking of a person or even a moving object.
 Economical data collection.
 Temper-proof identification.
 Easy data collection in harsh environments

Zebra TLP 2844 Zebra S4M Zebra ZM 400 Ring 408 PEL
Barcode Printer Barcode Printer Barcode Printer Barcode Printer

OCLC:

The Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) is a nonprofit, membership based,

computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public
purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing
information costs. Its Headquarters is in Dublin, Ohio, USA.

OCLC began in 1967, as the Ohio College Library Center, through a collaboration
of university presidents, vice presidents, and library directors who wanted to
create a cooperative, computerized network for libraries in the state of Ohio. It
was founded in 1967 as the Ohio College Library Center, then became the Online
Computer Library Center as it expanded. In 2017, the name was formally changed
to OCLC, Inc. OCLC and thousands of its member libraries cooperatively produce
and maintain WorldCat, the largest online public access catalog (OPAC) in the
world.

Objectives: The objectives of OCLC are

i) To establish, maintain and operate a computerized library network and to

promote the evolution of library use, of libraries themselves and of librarianship;
ii) To provide processes and products for the benefit of library users and libraries;
iii) To Increase the availability of library resources to individual library patrons and
to reduce the rate-of-rise of library per-unit costs, and
iv) To further the ease of access to and the use of the ever-expanding body of
worldwide scientific, literary and educational knowledge and information.

Functions and Activities

i) Cataloguing and Metadata: OCLC offers full-service online cataloguing, simple

copy cataloguing, MARC record collections, offline cataloguing, customized OCLC
cataloguing from library’s materials vendor, automated copy cataloguing for
materials purchased and custom cataloguing serviced.

ii) Dewey Decimal Classification System: OCLC administers the Dewey Decimal
Classification system, the most widely used library classification system in the
world. It also provides WebDewey, the online version that is continually updated.

iii) Open WorldCat: WorldCat is the world’s largest bibliographic database. The
Open WorldCat programme makes it feasible to internet users who broadly
search the Web at popular search portals to discover materials owned by OCLC
libraries. Current Open WorldCat participants include Yahoo! Search
(http://www.yahoo.com) and Google (http://www.google.com).

iv) OCLC Research: OCLC’s 25-year-old Research arm furthers the science of
librarianship by incubating new information access and exchange technologies,
sponsoring the work of library scientists and serving on global standards bodies
(including those of the Dublin Core and Open Archives initiatives).
v) Digitization and Preservation: OCLC’s digitization, microfilm and archival
services are designed to protect, share, and manage collections. The Intercat and
Persistent Uniform Resource Locators (PURLs) are such project of OCLC.

vi) Standardization: OCLC Terminologies Service provides single interface to

access multiple thesauruses. Access often-used controlled vocabularies such as
mesh, gmgpc, gsafd, lctgm, ngl and dct.

vii) Publication: OCLC regularly develops and publishes studies and other
informational documents that all libraries can use for "future-forward" planning.
Recent reports include:

“2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers”, “The 2003 OCLC
Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition”, etc.

viii) Mailing Lists and Forum: “WebJunction” is a Web-based community

dedicated to the emerging technology and training needs of librarians. It was
funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program, and
coordinated by OCLC and other partners. WebJunction feature articles, handouts,
courses and forum discussions address the real issues that librarians and library
staff face everyday. OCLC also maintains groups and forums to foster and
maintain communication with its members.

ix) Others: NetLibrary provides full-text digital books, journals, newspapers and
other published works in hundreds of subject areas. NetLibrary, OCLC's eBook
division, recently celebrated the surpassing of the 58,000-title milestone. The
Electronic Collections Online provides easy Web access to thousands of full-text
academic and professional journals.

WORLDCAT:

WorldCat is a union catalog that itemizes the collections of tens of thousands of

institutions (mostly libraries), in many countries, that are current or past
members of the OCLC global cooperative.[3] It is operated by OCLC, Inc.

OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat—
the OCLC Online Union Catalog, the largest online public access catalog (OPAC) in
the world. WorldCat has holding records from public and private libraries
worldwide.
WorldCat offers catalog records from over 72,000 libraries worldwide, but focuses
largely on the U.S.

It includes books, periodicals, archives and manuscripts, maps, films, online

resources, and other materials.

INFLIBNET:

Shodhganga: A Reservoir of Indian Theses:

Shodhganga is a digital repository set-up for submission of electronic version of

theses and dissertations by research scholars in universities in India and make
them available in open access to the world-wide academic community in
response to the UGC Notification (Minimum Standards & Procedure for Award of
M.Phil. / Ph.D Degree, Regulation, 2009) where-in the responsibility of
maintaining the digital repository of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) is
assigned to the INFLIBNET Centre. ShodhGanga is set-up using Dspace that uses
internationally recognized protocols and interoperability standards.

The ShodhGanga Website provides all information relevant to the students,

research supervisors and university authorities with regard to ETDs including their
responsibilities, access policies, submission process, metadata structure, etc.

ShodhGangotri: A Repository of Synopsis submitted to Indian Universities for

Registration in Ph.D. Programme:

“ShodhGangotri” is a new initiative that compliments “ShodhGanga”. While

ShodhGanga is a repository of fulltext theses submitted to universities in India,
“ShodhGangotri” hosts approved synopsis of research topic submitted to the
universities in India by research scholars for registering themselves under the
Ph.D programme. Under the new initiative called “ShodhGangotri”, research
scholars / research supervisors in universities are requested to deposit electronic
version of approved synopsis submitted by research scholars to the universities
for registering themselves under the Ph.D programme. The repository, on one
hand, would reveal the trends and directions of research being conducted in
Indian universities, on the other hand, it would avoid duplication of research.
Synopsis in “ShodhGangotri” would later be mapped to full-text theses in
“ShodhGanga”
N-LIST (National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for Scholarly
Content):

The Project entitled "National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for
Scholarly Content (N-LIST)", being jointly executed by the UGC-INFONET Digital
Library Consortium, INFLIBNET Centre and the INDESTAICTE Consortium, IIT Delhi,
provides for access to scholarly content to colleges, universities as well as
centrally funded technical institutions through its four distinct components, i.e.

i) UGC-INFONET e-resources to technical institutions (IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs, etc.);

ii) INDEST e-resources to universities;
iii) E resources to Govt./ Govt.- aided as well as non-aided colleges; and
iv) National Monitoring Agency at the INFLIBNET Centre to manage access,
monitor, promote and impart training to promote optimal usage of e-resources
and for monitoring all activities involved in the process of providing effective and
efficient access to e-resources to colleges.

The N-LIST programme, formally launched by the then Honourable Union Minister
of Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal on 4th May, 2010 at Shastri
Bhawan, New Delhi, has registered a total number of 3,328 colleges as on June 1,
2013, including 3,031 eligible colleges that are already getting access to resources
subscribed under the N-LIST programme.

VIDWAN: Subject Expert Database:

VIDWAN is a premier database of profiles of scientists / researchers and other

faculty members working at leading academic institutions and other R & D
organisations involved in teaching and research in India. Established in 2012 . It
provides information about expert's background, contact address, skills and
accomplishments The database contains around 9,000+ profiles of the subject
experts from various domains from 650 institutions.

Info-Port: A Subject Gateway to Indian Scholarly Internet Resources:

InfoPortal: A Subject Gateway to Indian Electronic Resources is designed and

developed by the INFLIBNET Centre to serve as a comprehensive gateway to all
Indian scholarly content. The gateway open-up the Indian scholarly content
scattered over the Internet through an integrated interface that support search,
browse and multiple listing of more than 1,700 e-resources. The InfoPortal uses
“Subject Gateway Management System (SGMS)” as hosting platform. The SGMS,
designed and developed at the INFLIBNET Centre

CALIBNET :

CALIBNET in its new strategy has adopted two approaches, viz. the centralized
Network typology and the information centre approach through E-mail services.
CALIBNET has the following facilities and services:

 It has developed library automation and networking software, called

MAITRAYEE by commissioning CMC Limited for the purpose.
 CALIBNET provides access to CD-ROM database like LCMARC, Bibliofile and
Inside Information. Through the ERNET local hub at the NSC; CALIBNET is
also providing E-mail link called CAUBLINK to member libraries. Other
services include retrospective conversion of catalogue; current content of
journals and selective dissemination of information (ConAlert) besides
training on emerging areas of information science.
 It is currently a multi type library network and membership is open to
institutions as well as individuals.

Besides this, CALIBNET provides its participating members and the user
community at large with the following:

 Directory of Newspapers & Journals

 Electronic Reference Tools
 Factual Information Sources
 Document Supply Services
 On-Demand Information Services
 Consultative Service for Library Automation
 Manpower Development Opportunities
  Research & Development in IT Applications.

ADINET: Ahmedabad Library Network

ADINET is a network of libraries in and around Ahmedabad. ADINET was

registered as a Society in October 1994. It is sponsored by National .Information
System for Science and Technology (NISSAT), Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research, Government of India.

Objectives:

ADINET aims to bring about cooperative mode of working amongst the libraries
and information centres in and around Ahmedabad. The main objective of
ADINET is to promote sharing of resources and disseminate information among
member libraries by networking them and creating a centralized Union catalogue
of their holdings. It plans to coordinate efforts for suitable collection development
and reduce unnecessary duplication wherever possible.

JANET :

It is United Kingdom government funded and has the objective to develop and
provide a network infrastructure to meet the needs of the research and education
communities.
Janet connects the UK’s research and education institutions, to the rest of the
world. It also includes a separate individual network that is available to the UK
community for experimental activities in network research and development.

MYLIBNET: Mysore Library Network

 It is setup during 1995 in Mysore under financial assistance from NISSAT.

 It is housed inside the CFTRI
 The objective is to share resources available with all the libraries
 To provide faster communication through e-mail
 To develop software tools
 To create awareness in the field of latest IT b conducting seminars,
workshops, training programmes
  To setup a Information base in collaboration with industries
 It provides online access to books and journals database
 It has also created a experts database

INFORMATION SYSTEMS :

A system is a collection of elements or components that are organized for a

common purpose. System Development Life Cycle is the process, methods or a
set of methodologies applied to create or alter software projects.
Information systems can be defined as an integration of components for
collection, storage and processing of data of which the data is used to provide
information, contribute to knowledge as well as digital products that
facilitate decision making.

BITS:
1. Open Source Software (OSS), term was coined by …Eric Raymond
2. When was Koha first deployed in for Horowhenua Library Trust.- January
2000
3. RFID was discovered in the year of 1935
4. National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC), established in year-
2009
5. The WorldCat service was started in the year—1971
6. The terms “Hypertext ” &”Hypermedia” coined by ---- Ted Nelson
7. E-Granthalaya Library Software package developed by ---- NIC
8. Which is the world's most popular open source database management
system; MySQL
9. RFID was discovered in the year of 1935
10.HELINET is a Shared-budget Consortia
11.IndCat is a Union Catalogue
12.Vidwan database provide profiles of experts /learned persons in India
13.e-PG Pathshala project is funded by MHRD
14.Shodhganga is a Reservoir of Indian Theses
15.Z39.50 was approved by : National Information Standards Organization
(NISO)
16.The term Hypermedia was coined in a 1965 by Ted Nelson
17.DESINET stands for Defence Science Information Network
18.Worldcat is operative by – OCLC
19.COPAC is Union catalogue
20.ShodhGanga is a Database of full text information of Ph.D. Theses from
INFLIBNET
21.What is RFID - Security Device
22.Which standard was developed to share Bibliographical information in
electronically- Z39.50
23.Ohio college Library center in Ohio started in the year – 1967
24.MALIBNET established by INSDOC in – 1993
25.BONET promoted by NCST&NISSAT - 1992
26.BALNET promoted by NISSAT - 1995
27.Resource sharing is a part of – Library cooperation
28.RDA stands for : Resource Description and Access
29.Conversion of Barcode into electrical signals done by- Scanners
30.The Input center for INIS in india is : BARC
31.NACLIN is sponsored by – DELNET
32.E-Granthalaya Library Software package developed by ---- NIC