Page 71 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation Reena Kapoor, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 4: Problems, Evaluation and Trends in
Library Automation Software

CONTENTS

Objectives
Introduction
4.1 Software Problems in Library Automation

4.2 Criteria for Evaluation of Library Automation Software
4.3 Trends and Future of Library Automation Software
4.4 Summary
4.5 Keywords
4.6 Review Questions

4.7 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Discuss the software problems in Library Automation
Explain the criteria for evaluation of Library Automation Software

Describe the trends and future of Library Automation Software

Introduction

The selection of library management software is a complex and time consuming one. Apart
from thorough knowledge of library system, sub-systems, procedures, activities and tasks, it
requires the knowledge of LMSs features and trends in the development of ICT. The process of
evaluation should be based on some predefined criteria. Now in this unit we will study the
essential criteria for evaluation, recent trends and future directions of library automation software
packages.

4.1 Software Problems in Library Automation

This is the era of computerization, but still tradition manual working system exists in Indian
libraries especially in undeveloped area. In the series of development of library world is
acclimatized to computer environment in daily routine as well as information storage and
retrieval. Automation to a greater extent can reduce pressure of library workload. It also shelters
from work stress and fatigue. It not only offers efficient services and opens a new era in
bibliographical control but provides access to required database in the country and abroad as
well. Computerized library service is likely to be beset with technological, economic and
attitudinal problems peculiar to most developing countries.
After a long period of gestation, the libraries in India are now in a take off stage of automation
and modernisation. Financial and technical inabilities are the major issues they have to tackle
while modernisation. Though funding appears as the biggest problem faced by the libraries in

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