Page 91 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes utility costs
bar code labels
miscellaneous supply costs

telecommunications costs
salaries and benefits (if extra staff are hired)
Computer technology and software applications are changing and evolving at an incredibly
rapid pace. At current rates of development, you can expect that by the time you install your
carefully planned system, capabilities will be available that were only in planning while you
were evaluating vendor proposals. In general, a life cycle of five years is considered to be
acceptable for a computer system before some significant upgrade (installation of additional
hardware and/or software providing for increased capability or capacity) or replacement will
be necessary.
Because computer and information technology represent a fundamental change in the way
libraries do business, libraries must make an ongoing commitment to keeping pace with change.
Therefore, like automated systems, plans must also change with time.
Plans must be regularly revisited and updated as the environment and needs change. In general,
a library should conduct a major re-examination of its plan every five years, and should review
its plan on an annual basis.

Task Critically examine the outcomes of good planning in library automation.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:

1. The traditional definition of “publishing” has been stretched by the creation and instant
availability of informational home pages and Web sites worldwide.
2. Group interaction is an important contributing factor in the success of the goal.

3. Purchase of the System includes direct, out-of-pocket costs and indirect costs associated
with getting started.
4. Computer technology and software applications are changing and evolving at an incredibly
rapid pace.
5. A life cycle of seven years is considered to be acceptable for a computer system before
some significant upgrade or replacement will be necessary.

5.2 Formats and Standards in Library Automation

The concept of “standard” in the field of library and information science is interpreted as codes
of cataloguing rules, classification schemes, subject headings and various other documents
contained recommendations for good library practice, all of which are subject to varying
interpretation. But, for another professional, standards are extremely precise technical
specifications for communication between software and machines in an automated information-
processing environment.

86 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY