Library Automation by Bhujanga Das KV Command Hospital

CONTENT § Definition § Need for automation § Characteristics § Advantage of automation § Disadvantage of automation § Essential for automation § Area of automation § Automation software § Checklist for buying software § Suggestions

LIBRARY AUTOMATION Definition Library Automation is the use of automatic data processing machines to perform such traditional library activities as acquisition, cataloguing , serial control and circulation.

Need for Automation q Explosion of information. q Availability of information in various formats like print, non-print, graphical, audio-visual etc. q Growing information and shrinking space. q Speeds up processing of library work. q Greater, accuracy, efficiency, consistency and improved work control. q Reduces repetative work. q Bibliographic control checking & updating. q Permits Budget Control.

Characteristics The characteristics of an automated system are: v The operations/Process are carried out automatically. v Avoid or reduces human action & thus saves labour. v It increases efficiency and speed in operation.

Advantage of automation ØLarge data can be handled with ease and accuracy. Ø Operates at a great speed and promptness. Ø High rate and better quality in performance. Ø Saving human resource. Ø Cost effective. Ø Ease in functioning. Ø Avoids/ eliminates duplication of work.

Disadvantage of library automation Financial expences. ü Continuous training is required. ü Security problem. ü Electricity dependent. ü untrained users. ü

Essentials for automation § Adequate collection. § Finance. § Suitable computer hardware. § user friendly computer software. § Staff training. § user training.

Areas of Automation Areas of automation in libraries can be catagorised into TWO: 1. House- keeping operation 2. Information handling

House keeping operation Acquisition II. classification III. cataloguing IV. Indexes and Thesauries V. Circulation VI. Stock Taking VII. serial Control I.

Information handling Current Awareness Services II. Selective Dissemination of Information III. Retrospective Search System I.

Automation Software Library automation software provides centralized management and process automation for libraries and library activities such as Circulation, administration, cataloguing, reporting and patron records etc. Some software are: • Genesis G 4 • Atriuum • Koha • MODERNLIB • Autolyb • Evergreen ILS • LIBSYS etc.

Checklist for buying software v. Is the software suitable to us? What is the operating system? What are the memory requirement? What are the hardware needs? v Does the vendor offer training? v Is the Software user friendly? v Is the software easy to install? v Does the vendor provide service after sales? v Etc.

suggestions v. Librarian should be selected best H/W and S/W for automation. v Library staff training should be conducted time to keep them up to date. v System provided for continuous power. v keep the data or information secure with the help of good quality anti-virus, firewall and taking backup time to time.

References § Elite Academy books on Library & Information Science. § PPT of Bhupendra Ratha, Lecturer.

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