Page 205 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes conventionally stored systems. The main aim of any library is to provide access to proper
information explosion, due to growing demands of the user and shrinking of financial
resources, library is not able to obtain all the reading materials on demand. The only way
to overcome these problems is resources sharing through networking. New technologies
library provides several new materials, media and mode of storing and communicating
the information. Library automation reduces the drudgery of repeated manual efforts in
library routine by use of library automation collection, Storage, administration, processing,
preservation and communication etc.
Steps in Library Automation

Automation requires planning, designing, and implementation. Planning involves
identification of the activities to be automated, assessment of the volumes of information
to be handled, selection of software, selection of compatible hardware systems, training
and retraining of the library staff and educating users.
Planning for Library Automation

Needs mapping
Best possible package
Staff involvement

Budget (Purchase, Operation, Maintenance etc.)
Hardware requirement (Client/Server, Printer etc.)
Platform (Operating system)
User awareness

Maintenance
Selecting Automation Packages
User friendly
Popularity of package

Well-designed screens logically arranged functions with extensive help messages
Minimum Training
Multi-user and unlimited user access
Support internationally known standards (MARC, AACR2)

Training and support (Email, Discussion Forum)
Basic requirements for the automation of libraries are:
1. Adequate selection.
2. Financial assistance.
3. Computer hardware.

4. Library software.
5. Training of the staff.
6. Maintenance of development.
Contd...

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