29-10-2013, 01:12 PM
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uideline on Selection of Library Management System
An efficient computerized library management system will enhance the effectiveness of the library. The system makes the recording of borrowing simple and provides useful information about library use. When assessing different systems cost, installation, operation and maintenance all need to be considered.
Considerations of selecting appropriate library management system
1. System Functionalities
The purpose of library system is to facilitate schools to establish quality and effective library catalog as a tool for accessing school learning and teaching resources. A good library system should enable teacher librarian to manage library resources in a more effective way and to save administrative effort.
Generally, a typical library management system includes the following functions/modules to process library operation:
(a) Cataloging
Cataloging module is an essential function for a librarian to maintain the bibliographic and item records. To ensure a better support of the communication between Union Catalog and user’s environment, the library system should support the followings:
MARC21, especially tag 095 and 097
ISBD
AACR2
Various Chinese coding, e.g. Big-5, GB
Unicode, if possible
(b) Circulation
This is also an essential function that handles all aspects of borrowing and returning of library materials. In addition, the system should have the capability of supporting fines management and other relevant processes, such as
Check in
Check out
Renewal
Patron record management
© Report/statistic generation
To support daily library operation, the library management system is necessary to be able to generate statistical figures and any kind of reports at user’s request. For instance, daily check-in/out statistic reports or reports on:
Loan activities
Patron activities
Any kind of reports to support library activities
(d) Import/Export
To support data exchange, the library management system should be able to import or export bibliographic records, even item records and patron records to/from it. The library management system therefore is important to be enabled with the following requirements:
Data integrity
Data accuracy
Ability to support ISO2709 format
(e) Administration
This function allows the librarian to define system parameters (i.e. loan policy), manage and maintain any system setting. Another considerable feature is:
Security
(f) OPAC/Web OPAC
OPAC is Online Public Access Catalog. It is the module to provide a public interface for readers to search the library catalog. Web OPAC is the web version of OPAC to allow readers to access the catalog via Internet. Other considerable features of this module are:
Searching methods
Record display
Online application if any
(g) Acquisitions
This is an optional function depending on the demand of a library. It is used to manage and trace an acquisition process of all library materials and other relevant information. Some library systems also include a feature of fund (budget) management.