Automation of Library Functions with Special Reference to Circulation System Adopted at the Library of Open University of Sri Lanka

Anusha Wijayaratne

doi:10.4038/jula.v9i0.311

Abstract

We were slow to explore the automation world as the custom software development entails substantial investment and the off the shelf software packages are either too costly or do not meet all the requirements. However, the several library automation projects have been embarked in recent years, as the librarians could not ignore the power of the library automation in order to meet up with the rest of the world in the trend of information management and dissemination. This paper reviews the success of the automation project of the library of the Open University of Sri Lanka with special focus on the automating the circulation of library materials using Alice for Windows - the integrated library management software package. doi: 10.4038/jula.v9i0.311 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 9) 2005 p.12-22

Highlights

Libraries cannot escape from the revolution.of information technology (IT), which has revolutionized the way of working of the entire society
We have a strong obligation towards the nation as the country's frontline sector of libraries, who should provide the initiative to the advancement of the Sri Lankan library field
Loul-nal of the University Libral.ia11s Association of Sri Lanka (Vol 0,)2005 situation becomes calm gradually once the staff and users become familiar to the system, strengthen the infrastructure, identified and treated the shortcomings in the software/ hardware solutions etc

Summary

Introduction

Libraries cannot escape from the revolution.of information technology (IT), which has revolutionized the way of working of the entire society. Circulation module of Alice for Windows includes all the key functions that are needed to perform effective circulation system They are; maintaining borrower database, managing different member categories, managing different resource categories, controlling the calendar, scheduling the fine, generating reports, printing overdue notices and recall notices etc. It is capable of performing almost all the circulation practices such as issues, returns, bookings, reservations etc., while keeping records on information seeking behaviour of individual patrons and providing printouts if requested.

Address

Findings

Discussion and conclusion