What is the Library Automation System and Its Need & Objective

What is Library Automation | Library housekeeping operations |  Need & Objective of Library Automation

Automation is commonly used for tasks in which machines have sufficient involvement in human intelligence or effort. Automation is commonly used with mechanization.

In the present times, computer automation is the cornerstone. For historical reasons, the term automation can be used as a precursor to mechanization, but it would be best to consider 'automation' as equivalent to 'computerization'.

What is Library Automation

Library automation refers to the adequate participation or use of computers in library functions. When a computer is used to perform a task under a library, then an automation process arises. Under this, work is done jointly by humans and computers.

In other words, in library automation, the computer is used as a tool by which library-related tasks are done. Thus defining library automation can be said. "Library automation is the use of computers in library functions."

The first use of the word Automation was done in 1936 AD by D. S. Harder. By him 'The Automatic Handling of Parts Between Progressive Production Process is called Automation'

Library Automation

Need and The objective of Library Automation

Following is a summary of the needs and objectives of library automation.

(1) To modernize libraries.

(2) To protect the fourth form of library science by saving the time of readers.

(3) To make the library service cost-effective.

(5) To increase the efficiency and speed of work.

(6) To make information collection and information retrieval are easier.

Utility in Library Housekeeping Operations

Libraries are taking the help of computers in their daily activities. The help of Information Technology/Computer is taken for the following tasks under daily operation.

(A) Acquisition

The acquisition is a very important library operation. Which is very important for the purpose of the library. As is evident, acquisition tasks require excessive paperwork. Such as - orders, processing of documents, processing of bills, claim cancellation and reporting, etc. Since acquisition is a highly laborious task, automatic activities have resorted to ie IT / Computer.

(B) Cataloging

Listing has had the most visible impact on information technology. Whether it is a 'descriptive list' or the physical nature of the list, this effect is clearly visible. The impact of information technology led to the development of MARC (Machine Readable Catalog), OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). By adopting information technology in cataloging works, the time, labor, and expenses incurred in cataloging works can be reduced.

(C) Circulation Control

The payable/payable / circulation work is the major and highly visible operation of the library. This is quite a laborious task. Under due-payable control, it is necessary that immediately after the transaction of books, all information is corrected and updated so that the libraries can get the correct list of books issued to existing or readers. Apart from this, the processing and management of books returned from the readers are also included in this.

Thus, we see that due-payable work is quite complex and labor-proof. At present, information technology is being used for this work and it has also benefited.

(D) Serial Control

Magazine control is a complex process. It requires extreme labor, precision, and caution. Like other library operations, automated processes are being adopted and information/technology/computer is being used in this area.

Summary: In present times, information technology is being taken to carry out various tasks done by libraries and information centers with ease and speed.

Whether it is the daily operation of libraries or the information services provided by the library, information technology has impacted everyone. Even the role of the librarian is changing due to the impact of information technology, 'Librarian' has now become 'Cyberarian'. The impact of IT is changing the nature of traditional libraries.

Today, the era of the digital library and the virtual library is coming. Thus we see that the impact of Information Technology (IT) has drastically changed the nature of libraries, work culture, and the information services provided. 

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