Page 231 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes It allows receiving and registering published documents from an electronic document
management system;

It enables a user to import files from the user’s system and associate them with a set of
metadata record within the archive;
It offers personal information environment (PIE) to users for accessing resources through
customised interface; and
It aims to provide a single layer interface for locally digitised materials, library OPAC,
online databases and other electronic information resources.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:

6. Automated library systems only support housekeeping operations and management of
information services.
7. Library catalogue is the mirror of library collection.

8. In automated setup access to library collection is provided through Online Public Access
Catalogue or OPAC.
9. Web-enabled OPACs allow users to search library catalogues and access other services
from any client at anywhere at any time.
10. Lending service provides facility to allow books and other library materials to be read
elsewhere by users.

12.3 ICT Enabled Library Services

Library services in general and reference and information services in particular refer to the
personal assistance provided to users in pursuit of information. The reference and information
services, provided to library users may be categorised into three broad groups:

Information services that involve either finding the required information on behalf of the
users, or assisting users in finding information;
Instruction in the use of library resources and services; and

User guidance, in which users are guided in selecting the most appropriate information
sources and services (obviously user enquiry can range from the simple fact finding type
to complex questions requiring consultation and analysis of numerous information
sources).
The increasing availability of electronic information sources, emergence of web based digital
libraries and use of desktop based search tools and agents have changed the notion of traditional
reference and information services. The whole array of ICT enabled library services are discussed
in the following sections.

12.3.1 Database Search Services

Libraries all over the world are finding vital information through online information retrieval
services that provide access to thousands of databases containing both bibliographic and primary
source information. Databases are also available as discrete datasets on optical discs like CD-ROM,
DVD-ROM, etc. Users can either search these databases directly or through intermediaries (such

226 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY