Page 171 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes
Did u know? The ‘ledger system’ remained in use until the middle of the nineteenth century.

The disadvantage of both the ‘Day Book’ and ‘Ledger’ systems was the absence of a mechanism
to locate the whereabouts of the books. A solution to this shortcoming was found in the ‘Dummy
System’. In this system a block of wood or cardboard about the size of an ordinary book was
covered with sheet of ruled paper on the back of which was entered the number of the borrower,
call number, title of the book and date of issue. The wooden dummy was filed on the shelf in
place of the book that was withdrawn. This method eliminated the need for going through lists
of names and titles to find a specific book. This method made possible, for the first time, to
identify of both the borrower and the book charged out.
The next step forward was the development of the ‘Temporary Slip System’. In this system, a slip
is prepared at the time of issue of a book, with the particulars of the book such as the call
number, author title, and the particulars of the borrower, i.e., name registration number, address,
etc., and the date of issue. These slips are arranged at the counter either date wise, or by
alphabetically in the name of the borrowers or the registration numbers of borrowers. These
slips are either destroyed or given back to the reader as a receipt upon the return of the books.
The main advantage of this system over the ‘Dummy system’ was that it kept the circulation
record together at the circulation counter instead of scattering throughout the shelves. These
temporary slips were later replaced by a permanent slip or a card for each book.

Card Systems

With the increase in the number of readers using libraries, it became necessary to devise some
method of identifying both the book and the borrower. Thus the two card system, one card for
the book and one for the borrower came into existence. First, identification cards were used,
which were later substituted by borrower’s card on which all book transactions were entered.

Notes Of the two card systems, two systems, namely the Browne and the Newark are
popular and widely used even today in libraries, particularly in India.
We will discuss briefly these two systems.

(i) Browne System: Towards the end of the 19th century, Nina E. Browne devised a charging
system which used pockets or envelopes for each borrower instead of cards. When a book
was to be charged, the book-card was removed and placed in the borrower’s pocket which
bore the borrower’s name, address and registration number. These borrower’s pockets,
each containing one book card were then filed under the date either by call number,
author or title of the book under circulation. This system involved only a single operation
to make books available. Although considered to be notable advance over the temporary
and permanent slip system, it had one shortcoming there was no permanent record of the
loan.
(ii) Newark System: Around the turn of the century (about 1900) a new system came into use,
which utilised the borrower’s card and book card to the best advantage. This new system
was adapted by the Newark (New Jersey) Public Library, and soon became popular. The
simplicity and flexibility of this system made it adaptable to both small and large public
libraries. Its positive attributes include accurate files, conveniently located at the circulation
desk by patron’s name, due date and call number. It can also generate accurate statistical
reports and accommodate different loan periods. The main disadvantages are the labour

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