Page 78 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

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

over the Internet. It reduces unit cost of cataloguing and saves a lot of time for individual Notes
libraries. However, the major problem is of variation in software and hardware. Library
professionals have to learn the specific features of each system. More the electronic resources
grow more will be the confusion on how to access the information from diverse databases.
ANSI/NISO Z39.50 standard was developed to share the bibliographical information
electronically and to overcome the problems of database searching with different search
languages. Z39.50 is a session oriented program-to-program open communication protocol
based on client-server computing model. LMS incorporated with Z39.50 copy-cataloguing
client (called origin in the standard) submits a search request to any Z39.50 server (called
target), which then process the request and returns the result in desired standard. LMS will
then place the captured record in the catalogue editor for manipulation.
3. Web-centric Architecture: Web-centric LMSs allow web based staff and user access and
thereby ensures searching, browsing, data entry and system Introduction administration
from anywhere at any time against user authentication. In such a system, there is no
requirement to install client-side software in client computers. Any machine with standard
web browser may be used as client for accessing library database. This architecture applied
Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to ensure
platform independent access to library services. It also helps to overcome space and time
barrier.

4. Integrated Access Interface: Integrated access interface refers to the ability of LMSs to
combine multitude of resources and media type in a single and seamless search mechanism.
Such interface should support hypermedia environment to include:
Library catalogue
Collection acquired in digital form

Collection digitised in-house
E-journals and e-books
Purchase datasets on CD ROMs
Subject gateways
Other library’s OPAC

Bulletin board, Listserv and Discussion forum
Information desk
Community information
5. FRBR based Bibliographic Data Model: FRBR stands for Functional Requirements for
Bibliographic Records. It is a conceptual model, proposed and designed by IFLA
(International Federation of Library Associations), for the management of bibliographic
databases. The model uses entity-analysis techniques to identify entity, attributes and
relationships in the bibliographic universe. It also identifies the relevance of each attribute
and relationship to the generic tasks performed by users of bibliographic data. Packages
are incorporating FRBR model for the design of central catalogue database. Interoperability
and Crosswalk: Interoperability means the ability of multiple systems (with different
hardware and software platform and data structure interface) to exchange data with minimal
loss of content functionality. A crosswalk is a mapping of the elements, semantics and
syntax from one metadata schema to those of another. It allows metadata created by one
community to be used by another group that employs a different metadata standard.
Interoperability and crosswalk ensures exchange of bibliographic data among
heterogeneous systems across the globe. LMSs are now supporting various standards and

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