Define Library Automation Software in Library Management System

Library Management Software | Development of Library Software in India | Digital Library | e-Library Software 


To understand the library software, the literal meaning of the software as a cluster of programs means various programs are integrated under it. In this way, various programs are integrated under Library Software keeping in mind the functions of the library.

Different software is made for different tasks like railway, bank, air service, etc. There are different types of software, in the same way, many software was created keeping in mind the convenience for library functions. Like SOUL, KOHA, e-Granthalaya, CDS, ISIS, LIBSYS, SANJAY, LIBRARIAN, etc.

Library Automation work is dependent on the excellence of Library Software, so it is necessary to pay attention to some essential facts before purchasing it, under this information is obtained about whether the software being purchased is suitable for the Indian Library or not.


Features of Library Software for Libraries



Software is required to computerize any library. The software makes the computer useful. It represents knowledge in a systematic way and understands the problem and presents it.

Therefore, its utility is increasing in the information society today and it has become an important product. Today, a variety of software designed from a business point of view is available in the market for different types of users.

Different types of Library Software are available in the market from a commercial point of view, so when choosing software, many things are taken care of by the Librarian. And on this basis, Library Software is evaluated.


Library Automation System
Library Automation Software |  Library Automation System | Library Management System


Development of Library Software in India


The application of computers in the field of library and information attracted the attention of information businesses worldwide.

The application of computers in the field of library and information in India started from the 1960s but accelerated in the 1980s and in the last two decades, significant efforts were made to computerize the Library Information System and in the library software Development is important.

INSDOC first used computers in the field of the library. In the 1960s, IBB1620 designed software for the Model-1 computer, which was designed to prepare a rich catalog of scientific journals.

BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Center) Bombay tried to develop the AFSARI Software System at COBOL for topical awareness service and selected information service.

DRTC Bangalore made several experiments in the document detection system DFS (Document Finding System). The project was completed under the direction of Prof. Neelamedhan and a set of programs were developed and run on IBM 1401 Computer System.

Apart from this, some other libraries have also worked in this direction, such as BHEL Hyderabad, RRC Kalpakkam, NAL Bangalore, INSDOC Delhi, IIT Delhi, DESIDOC, etc.

Recently, national and regional organizations like DESIDOC, NISSAT, DELNET, NIC, UGC, etc. have shown interest in developing software and distributing it at a low-cost Library Software.

Like SANJAY by DESIDOC, MAIT RAYEE by NISSAT, e-Granthalaya by NIC and DELWINDOWS by DELNET, etc.

Evaluation of Library Software 


(1) Information for Procurement - For the choice of software, it is first seen from where to get the information. Today there is no systematic and real source where information related to library software is available and review and advertisement is the only means of obtaining information related to software.

Some of the magazines that publish information related to Library Software are: -


  • Library Journal of Information Management,
  • Micro Computers for Information Management,
  • The Electronic Library,
  • Computers in Library, etc.

(2) Initial Study - Prior to the selection of software for the library, initial study becomes important such as the study of sale brochure, whether it is capable of the requirement and fulfillment of the library or the size, technology, etc. of the library It becomes necessary to study things like reconciliation, etc.

(3) Price/cost of software - Since the success of Library Automation depends on the quality of the software itself, therefore the quality of the software is specially taken care of, but with it, price and cost also become important, and Does the price correspond to the libraries' budget? This question becomes equally important whether the value is according to the feature/capability of the software.

(4) Programming Languages - At the time of the selection of software, it becomes necessary to study its Programming Language.

The range of features available in software depends on its Programming Language. Languages ​​are the winning languages ​​of programming - they have different characteristics.

Therefore, while choosing Library Software, software should be selected which is modern.

(5) Vendor Status - In order to purchase the software, information about which agency has been made and what is its reputation becomes very important. Whether or not the construction has been done by the experts?

(6) Operating System - While selecting the Software, it should be kept in mind that whether it is running on all types of Operating systems or whether it is powered on the Operating System loaded on the computer of the library.

Some people who operate on a particular operating system can have difficulties due to the selection of such software.

(7) Response Time of Searching - When a reader wants to get information about a document in a computerized library, the amount of time it takes to search this information is also taken into consideration. 

The time it takes to search depends on many things such as the size of the data file, its administration, the operating hardware received, etc.

(8) Adequate to Classification, Cataloging and Networking - In the selection of Library Software it becomes necessary to consider whether the software is capable of the main library work like Classification, Cataloging, etc.

Apart from, it should also be noted that the software is not capable of Networking.

(9) User Friendly - User friendlyness of Library Software is very important. Most users of the library are not computer experts.

Many important things are considered in the software such as easy screen display, ease of reading and understanding, etc. and it can be seen whether the software is user friendlyness or not.

(10) Data Storage Capacity - Many software is available in Indian markets for library use like LIBRARIAN, LIBSYS, e-Granthalaya, MAITRAYEE, SANJAY, SOUL, CDS / ISIS, etc. Out of these, it should be selected according to its characteristics, characteristics, and characteristics, and according to the needs of the library.

(10) Search Method  - When a reader wants to get information about a document in a computerized library, how many ways it can be searched in search of this information. Like- Title, Author Name, From ISBN, publisher name, etc., this is also taken into consideration in the selection of.

Often, the library does not try to develop software for its own reasons due to many reasons such as lack of programmers, long development time, cost, etc. Therefore, the purchase of commercially available software is easy for the library.


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