Page 17 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes 3. Fine: The ‘loan period’ should be fixed at the beginning of the operation (e.g. one/
two weeks). Then the system will automatically give the overdue details, when the
member returns the book.
Serials Control: The details of the periodicals subscribed by the library were entered into
the database such as title, periodicity, subject, imprint, and vol./issue numbers, date of
publication and date of receipt. It is searchable by OPAC. The system will automatically
generate the missing issues, so that the librarian can send reminders.

Multimedia: The collection details of CDs, ACDs, VCDs, DVDs, etc. are feeded into the
database. Title, producer, imprint, subject, language, format and duration of the media are
entered. Barcode labels (accession number) are pasted on the CD-ROMs so that, they can
be circulated.
Library Statistics: Periodical library statistics shows the functional effectiveness of the
stock and services. The main statistics that can be generated from the systems are:

(i) Monthly stock details (subject-wise, format-wise)
(ii) Member information (students and staff)
(iii) Weekly/Monthly circulation details (class-wise, member-wise)
(iv) Renew/reservation details
(v) Overdue and fine details
(vi) List of new additions
(vii) Details of written off and condemned documents

Stock Verification: Annual stock verification can be done with ease by reading the barcodes
of the books and comparing it with the basic database.

Step 5: Networking

The main system where the software has loaded and the data entry has been taking place was
kept as server. It has been protected with passwords. The remaining systems in the library
including OPACs and the computer system were networked locally. Proper monitoring and
maintenance of the network is necessary. Updating of the database should be done when new
documents are added.

Step 6: OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue)

The Online Public Access Catalogue, popularly known as OPAC is the user interface of the
automated system. The user gets all information regarding the holdings of the library here.

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