Page 41 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Information Technology and Application

Notes Suggestion: sub-module enables one to record and keep a track of all the suggestions received for
subscribing to serials. Selection of these titles for approval, preparing budget estimates and
generation of related reports are covered under this sub-module.
Subscription module takes care of ordering/renewal of serials, follow-up relating to the same,
sending reminder, if invoices are not received, generating orders by supplier or publisher are
included under this option.
Payment function supports processing and recording of all details relating to each invoice, including
supplementary invoice such as invoice processing, credit notes processing, reports generation, etc.
Master databases option allows creation of large number of frequently used master databases viz.,
title entry, language, class number, publisher, binder, country, department, currency, frequency,
budget heads, binding type, delivery modes, reports, etc. Of these, title entry is an important one.
It is here that the creation of database for each title with bibliographic information begins in the
serial module.
Check-in is crucial function to record the receipt of each issue of serial and its accompanying
material. To enable one to record the issues, system has a facility to generate schedule in advance
for each title by providing necessary inputs viz., Vol. no(s), Issue no(s), frequency, date of publication
of first issue, mode of delivery, total number of issues, etc.
Sending reminders for non-receipt of issues or issues that are overdue, etc., for single or all titles
by supplier, publisher, etc., can be done using this sub-module.
Binding supports making sets, generating order, payments, accessioning bound volumes, etc.
Status search option facilitates one to find out the status of every thing starting from subscription
to check-in of issues.
Title history is provided to keep record of ceased, suspended, discontinued titles and also title
change, splits, mergers along with holdings information for each and every title in the database.
Export/Import of data in ISO2709 format is also provided to enable library to transfer the existing
records in to SOUL and also contribute data to INFLIBNET union database.
Reports are a comprehensive function, which has more than 15 built-in reports of all types with
different combinations. This adds to the strength of serial module. Serial module is designed to
handle large number of titles, with many options giving maximum flexibility to user libraries.

Task State the role of serials module in library.
3.3.5 Online Public Access Catalogue Module (OPAC)

One of the major attractions of SOUL is that it has a powerful Online Public Access Catalogue as
given in figure 3.6 with a choice of search options and variety of display formats. OPAC is a
dynamic information desk that allows library staff to post library calendar, library rules and
regulations, announcements, or any other information of user interest. SOUL increases the
functionality of library’s OPAC terminals by allowing the users to access the internal as well as
external resources. This enables the users to access various databases developed at INFLIBNET.
Library can keep entire collection available at users’ fingertips. This powerful, yet easy-to-use and
user friendly searching tool allows user to quickly find the materials in the library. Some of the
major features of OPAC are:
SOUL includes Boolean operation when more than one search option is to be used.
Search results can be sorted according to the preference of search item.
User has option to select variety of display formats.
Display of records are according to AACR-II format.
Easy and quick to search with options.
Status of each book starting from acquisition module is reflected.

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