By
Jyoti Tejpal
features “Free” Point & Click MARC record retrieval & enrichment, multi-collection capabilities even Textbook control, remote Web-based product support sessions
Solution allows librarians & administrators keep thorough, real-time track of library inventory & media assets, Gives students fun means of discovery & reading
Fully web based solution for desktop or tablet device, Allowing students to get resources 24/7 in school/home/on-the-go, Intuitive search-drag-drop integration
Library automation software provides schools, colleges, public, and private libraries with activities like book handling, title acquisition, catalogue building, indexing, and circulation. This software simply automates core library operations which are repetitive and offers librarians to look for titles in a central book record, provide unique serial numbers to claims, categorize books, and keep track of title location within the library system. Library automation system keeps an eye on overdue books, calculates fees for late returns, and help maintaining records of revenue generated by subscriptions, fines, penalties, and memberships.
Modernizing library activities: Present-day libraries daily manage vast collections of titles and resources. Manual management methods are old school and unreal in this digital age, and library automation system replaces past methods like card catalogues, physical due date cards of catalogue management. By managing an unlimited amount of book records and streamlining data entry and tracking, libraries and their staff members have effectively modernized through the use of such systems.
Error-free data entry/title tracking: Library automation software utilizes RFID scanners to log books in and out while capturing patron details, saving librarians from manually entering this information and preventing errors during data entry.
Mobile access: Popular library automation software systems provide help through mobile apps for both patrons and staff members. Patrons can swiftly search the library catalogue, submit hold requests, and access available digital resources at any time from their smartphones.
Barcoding / RFID: Using RFID and barcode technologies in managing checkouts and returns, tagging, shelf management, and anti-theft detection.
Catalogue management: Maintaining a catalogue of library resources like books, journals, and newsletters.
Search: Allowing users to search the library catalogue and find information like book availability and location.
Self-checkouts and check-ins: Allowing users to check out and return library items using library computers and/or dedicated kiosks.
Serial and circulation management: Generating unique ID numbers or tags for all library content and patrons, and tracking the status and location of library resources.
Most products in the market are available for a one-time licensing fee and can be divided into three pricing tiers based on their starting price. A premium product is priced higher often have unique tools such as advanced support, built-in accounting modules, and integration with third-party applications.
Ease-of-use with best support offerings. It can be difficult for any non-technical user to learn a new software’s interface, features, and functionalities. Before making a purchase, libraries should ensure that the system they choose has a short learning curve backed by quality support that is ready to help their team whenever they’re stuck or unable to resolve issues on their own.
Trials/Demos. Before buying a library automation system, user should test the software to ensure it adequately meets their requirements. After user checks a few different library automation tools, they can make a better, more informed decision about which system is right for their library.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will increase patron experience: AI is making waves in various markets, and while it has not yet made a significant impact in the library sphere. AI applications are improving some library automation system software. Artificial intelligence within library automation software can improve patron experiences by tracking data around their book and author preferences, average reading time, and more, and make recommendations for future content. This data will help libraries identify popular books, authors, categories, and publications to cater their catalogues to their patrons, and maximize their limited funds.
Shift from on-premise to cloud-based library automation system software: Many libraries have started shifting from traditional, on-premise software development that historically required substantial IT investments to a more flexible, cost-effective, cloud-based model. Expect this trend to continue in the coming years as even more libraries seek to cut costs and free staff up to focus on patrons.
