Library Management System

Library Software is software used to manage the whole database of a library. This system helps in keeping record of all the items like books, DVDs, CDs, and Magazines etc. in a library. It is used in schools, institutions, colleges, universities and at many more places which provide full support to the librarian and helps in easy management of library. A Library has collection of thousands of books and management of so many books is a huge responsibility. 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.

The components that help in smooth functioning of LMS

Library Management software (LMS) with all solutions. It is built to handle all the requirements of a library. LMS is made for systematic handling of items held in a library. Library Automation software is suitable for all libraries from small to big libraries .i.e. schools, colleges, universities, medical libraries and others. Before choosing any library software one needs to know the requirement of that software. Only then one can differentiate which software provides the best features of digital library software.

The components that help in smooth functioning of LMS

Cataloguing

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.

Membership

A membership module keeps track of all the important information and details of the members of the library.

Reports and Status

The reports and status of the circulation of the issued books and books returned are recorded in the system.

Report Generator

The report generator can create the reports of the issued and returned books,number of members. etc.

Online Public Access Catalogue

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

Acquisition, the department in the library which is responsible for the selection and purchase of material or resources in the library.

Advantages of Library Management System

Management

The Library management system can manage the records of the whole library. It improves the efficiency with the automation of various library tasks like acquisition, cataloguing, serial management, circulation and reference.

Reliable and Safe

The data stored in the LBS is highly secure and offers selective accessibility to it data. Important files of the management can be easily stored in the LBS, hence improving the infrastructure of the institution.

Error Free

There is a chance of human error in case of traditional library management but use of LMS can guarantee an error free data management.

Availability

LMS can be used even from the devices like phone and tablet from anywhere at any given time.

User Friendly

The interface is easy to learn and use. LMS provides online as well as offline storage, automated backups etc, enhancing the learning process.

Search Option

All users of the system, including admin can search for library materials. Admin and students can search for books by entering the name of the book, author, subject, topic or other keywords.

Cost Effective

As the LMS is web based, it only needs a computer system and internet connection, making it very cheap to install. LMS eliminates paper-based work, reduces operation cost and improves productivity.

Increases Efficiency

The LMS enables the authorized staffs to keep proper records of all details of the books like author, edition, copies, issue and return dates. It can automatically calculate fines that are charged late return of the book.

Admin Login

The administrators can access the entire functionality of the system via this feature. The admin can maintain the records and track them as per necessity. Also, the admin can add or remove entries into the system.

User Login Section

The students, who want to access library materials, need to register first. The registration allows for maintaining records accurately. After registering, they can check out and check in the library material.

Library Management software is Available in Two Technologies

Barcode System

Barcodes are used in libraries to label books, magazines, CD & DVDs. Each and every book and other items are assigned unique 12- digit barcodes. It contains all information about the product. In Library Management system, whenever a student return or issue a book the system fetch the bar code number and we can make entry of book in computer systematically. Library Management system helps in systematic management of books.

Benefits of using barcode system are:

Improved inventory management
Faster check-in and check-out facility
Easy to sort books
Reduced staff workload
Increase accuracy and efficiency
Improve circulation capabilities

RFID System

Radio frequency identification (RFID) use electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to books. There are several ways of identifying tags but the most common is to store a serial number. The chip and antenna attached together are called an RFID tag. The RFID reader or scanner converts the RFID tag information into digital information which will further seen in computer and stored for future use.

What one should look before buying library software

Before buying any library management software one should look into the following requirements.

Should provide the facility to search any book by the name, title, author and publication.
Each book should contain a unique identification number.
System should able to retrieve all information about the book like when and to whom it was issued.
There must be a limit of issue of book to every student.
Provide provision of collecting fines for books from students who submit after due date.
Whether the system contain bar coding system or RFID system.
If the system contains bar coding system, then it can read bar codes from the books or cards issued to the students.
If RFID system is used then it should contain all tools used in it like tags, RFID reader and RFID gate.