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Unit 3: Basic Knowledge of Library Software

Management Software (LMS)’. These are based on knowledge and experience of library Notes
professionals over the centuries.

3.1 Library Automation Packages: An Overview

Software may be viewed as digital version of human knowledge. LMSs are based on knowledge
and experiences acquired by library professionals over centuries. These are used as intelligent
tools for performing housekeeping operations, information retrieval and MIS (Management
Information System) activities. Current LMSs are integrated systems based on relational database
architecture. In such systems files are interlinked so that deletion, addition and other changes in
one file can automatically activate appropriate changes in related files. The market place for
LMSs is now a matured one in India. Almost all special libraries and large academic libraries in
India have either adopted a computer-based system or planning actively to go for library
automation.
3.1.1 Development of Library Automation Software

Software upgradation is a continuous process. LMSs are no exceptions. A critical study of
development of LMSs over the years suggests that LMSs may be divided into four generations
on the basis of sophistication of their facilities for integration and interconnectivity. The LMSs
developed in all parts of the world from mid 1970s till date may be fitted into one of the four
compartments described below:
The first generation’s LMSs were module-based systems with no or very little integration
between modules. Circulation, cataloguing modules were the priority issue for these
systems and were developed to run on specific hardware platform and proprietary
operating systems;
The second generation LMSs became portable between various platforms with the
introduction of UNIX and DOS based systems. The LMSs of this generation offered links
between systems for specific function and were command driven or menu driven systems;

The third generation LMSs was fully integrated systems based on relational database
structures and client–server architecture. They embodied a range of standards, which
were a significant step towards open system interconnection. Colour and GUI features,
such as windows, icons, menus and direct manipulation became standards and norms in
this generation; and
The fourth generations LMSs were based on web-centric architecture and facilitated access
to other servers over the Internet. These systems are UNICODE complaint and allow
accessing multiple sources from one multimedia graphical user interface.
Thus we see that the progress of LMSs through the generations was towards an effective and
straightforward user interface, which supports access to multiple sources and services from one
multimedia interface. Moreover, the latest LMSs allow customised report generation, data
manipulation, and investigation of various scenarios. Therefore, they have all the potentials to
be a decision support tool. A comparative table of features and functionalities of LMSs in four
different generations can be drawn on the basis of the above discussion.

3.1.2 General Functions

LMSs support selection, ordering, acquisition, processing, circulation, serials control,
dissemination of information services and also extend help in library administration, planning
and decision making process as a management tool.

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