The main aim of any library is to provide access to proper information, to the right users in as possible as short time. In an environment of information explosion. Due to growing demands of the user and shrinking of financial resources, library is not able to obtain all the reading materials on demand. The only way to overcome these problem is resources sharing thorough networking. The development of library services in higher learning is a complex process to cover up advances of disciplines. Strategic planning for acquisition, use of information managements techniques, use of new technologies and regular updating. New technologies library provides several new materials, media and mode of storing and communicating the information. Library Automation reduces the drudgery of repeated manual efforts in library routine. By use of library automation collection, Storage, Administration, Processing, Preservation and communication etc.

 

What is Automation

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              The term automation is introduced used first D.S. Harder in 1936. He defined it as, “the automation is handling of parts between progressive production processes. Since then the term has been applied to a wide variety of automatic machinery and automatic systems. And is action for human efforts of intelligence".

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Definition of Automation:

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                   Automation work is used for automatic technical process. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, “The name given to an automatic system of working. The difference between automation and mechanization is mainly one of degree” “The technique of making apparatus or a system that operates automatically”. In general automation is the automatic, as opposed to human, operation or control of a process, equipment or a system; or the techniques and equipment’s used to achieve this. In libraries automation refers to the process of automatic in-house functions such as circulation, cataloguing, Acquisitions, Serials Controls, etc.

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Objectives of Library Automation:

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   These main objectives of automation in libraries are cited below;

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• Easy functioning: Several jobs which human beings are taking a very long to do can easily be done by using mechanical or electro mechanical devices.

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• Accuracy: A computer does not get tired and does not normally makes mistakes. Human conclusion is conditioned by several factors such as social, psychological, environmental; hence chances of error may occur. Mechanization avoids mistakes.

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• Promptness in service: Several jobs are such that take months and years of labour. The computer is expected to reduce the work load involved. Quires such as number of books issued to one, the date of issue of a particular book can be handled immediately with the help of automated procedure. It also facilitates promptness in other areas of reader’s services.

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• Economy in Human labour, money and time: Mechanized system controlled by automatic equipments can perform several tasks, it is therefore economical. It reduces human labour, with the result the present staff can be left enough time to furnish better personal services to readers.

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• Elimination of duplication of jobs: In automation one set of cards can be used in several processes such as acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, thus avoids the duplication of the same process which is used in manual system.

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Need For Library Automation:

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             This is the age of computer. A computer has revolutionized all fields of knowledge. It has been gradually weaving electronic webs in various parts of the globe for years now. Now it has being used extensively in libraries. Today, information technology coupled with computer technology has conquered even space and time with regard to dissemination of information. Increasing volume of information on one hand, and increasing number of users and their specialized needs on the other hand, requires newer methods for organizing information and new services such as the selective Dissemination information service became possible only because of computer.

The need for automation is emphasized because of the following factors:

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• Traditional methods for handling the information are inadequate. One is bulk and growth rate of information.

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• Difficult to up date the information due to voluminous and rise in the degree of specialization involved.

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• Techniques are suggested for applying the computers with its advantages of speed, vast storage capacity and accuracy to library work.

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• The need for co-operation and resource sharing and hope of achieving some saving through automation made switch over to automation.

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• To create effective service;

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• Operational advantages:

  • Speeds up processing.

  • Greater, accuracy, efficiently, consistency and improved work control.

  • Reduce repetitive staff work.

  • Permits case of bibliographic control checking and updating. 

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 Advantages of Library Automation:

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    There are several advantages of Library Automation a machine readable catalogue prepared at the time of acquisition may be required respectively for number of purposes. Automation has the following advantages.

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• Professional staff need not spend much time to do the routine library work.

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• ​Eliminates human errors while performing routine library works.

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• Improved control covers library collection.

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• Increased computer awareness among users.

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• Cataloguing is faster, instant access to non-records.

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