Page 9 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes It could be said that library automation began in 1930’s when punched card Introduction
equipment was implemented for use in library circulation and acquisition. The computer
technology first arrived in libraries in the late 1960s in the form of locally developed software
or commercial packages intended to automate library processes. The whole phase of library
automation development i.e., 1960 to date may be grouped into four distinct eras:
First Era: This era is characterised by computerisation of library operations by utilizing
either commercial automation package or software developed in-house. The development
of shared copy – cataloguing system is another significant achievement of this phase that
utilised computer and communication technologies for collaboration and cooperation
within the library community.
Second Era: This period of library automation is characterised by the rise of public access
i.e., the arrival of OPAC as a replacement for the traditional card catalogue. This period
also saw major developments in online access to abstracting and indexing databases,
union catalogues, resource sharing networks and library consortia.
Third Era: This era is characterised by the full text access to electronic documents over
high-speed communication channels. The advent of Internet as global publishing platform
and largest repository of information bearing objects revolutionised the ways and means
of delivering library services.

Fourth Era: It is known as ‘networked information revolution’ era. This era supports a
vast variety of digital contents and services that are accessible through the network at any
time, from any place, can be used and reused, navigated, integrated and tailored to the
needs and objectives of each user. Digital libraries, multimedia databases and virtual
libraries are major achievements in the present era.
The above discussion clearly indicates that in the first era of automation, libraries were largely
stand-alone; in the second era, they became reliant on campus networking strategies; in the
third era, the libraries were critically dependent on both LAN and WAN for patron access to
library services. In the fourth era, libraries are not only offering their own network-based
services but also becoming increasingly involved in the management and organisation of external
activities on the network. As a direct result of these developments, LMSs also changed considerably
through four different generations.

1.1.4 Special Features of Library Automation

Special Features of Library Automation are as follows:

It is an electronics based activity which is carried out by human beings
It is helpful to providing library services
Standardization in library work
Accuracy in work
Speedily communication of information

Avoid duplication in the library work
Trained staff
Availability of information

It is a time saving system
User friendly system

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