Library management software (LMS) is software that helps in the management of books in the library. It keeps track of the books issued and returned from the library. LMS involves maintaining of database of existing books as well as new books added in the library. Digital library helps in easy maintaining of records of books for a librarian. A librarian can check the status of any book, any time with the help of library management software.
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The key features of library automation software is:
A Library has collection of thousands of books and management of so many books is a huge responsibility. Traditional library management system is a subdivision of institutional management that focuses on the problems faced in the library. It includes the managerial tasks, stack maintenance, fee collection, planning and negotiation acquisition of materials, etc. The digital library management system is a user-friendly software designed for the smooth functioning of library management system. The software can maintain the database of the existing books and new books added in the library keep track of the books issued and returned from the library.
Cataloguing is the process of creating a list of all bibliographic items such as short description, list of subjects, author name and the classification. In traditional library a person, cataloguer, is responsible for organizing information. While the software makes the task easier by organizing all the information in a data base and making it easily accessible.
A membership module keeps track of all the important information and details of the members of the library.
The reports and status of the circulation of the issued books and books returned are recorded in the system.
The report generator can create the reports of the issued and returned books,number of members. etc.
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is an online database that stores information of all the books and materials kept in the library. It helps in searching of the material. One can easily locate the book by feeding in the author name, title or any other keyword.
Acquisition, the department in the library which is responsible for the selection and purchase of material or resources in the library.
Radio frequency identification system also known as RFID System uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to the books automatically. The antenna and chip when attached together is called RFID tag. The RFID reader or scanner scans the serial number and converts it into digital information which is stored in the computer. It is a popular way of systematic data collection in LMS.
RFID system in LMS makes scanning the tags easier and facilitates faster check-in and check-out. It is a wireless system so it’s easy to maintain the records. It reduces the circulation time similar to barcode system. RFID gate also acts as anti-theft equipment.They can detect the item which has not been inspected by computer before checking out. An alarm system becomes active if anybody tries to steal any item from a library.