Since automation of a library is an important and essential step, it should be properly planned and implemented. Hence, while considering library automation a series of steps have to be undertaken as follows:

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• Computerization

                It is the essential part of Library Automation. Computers offer flexibility and speed up processing, It gave greater accuracy, efficiency, consistency and improved work control. It reduce repetative work. Use of computer technology for library keeping operations such as administrative work, acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, serial control, OPAC, etc is known as library computerization. Computer consist of hardware and software.

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• Hardware

           Computer hardware are physical, tangible part or components of a computer which include input and output components. Hardware is typically directed by the software excute any command or a instruction. while procuring the hardware it should be seen whether the softwares which will be implemented will be compatible with hardware.

 

• Software

          Software is a collection of programmes written or developed to enable the computer to do desired operations. It enhance the working capabilities of the hardware. Software is one of the most important component which should be taken notice of while automation. Today a number of appplication software available in market manufactured by different companies of India and abroad with distinct feature.

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           Types of Library Automation Software:

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  1.In house Software

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          In house software’s are developed by a developer who is IT professional of that particular institute. It is purely customized as per the need of library and its services, types of collection, types of users. This software is unable to share data with other libraries because they are not prepared by referring to a particular standard which is suitable for resource sharing. If a person who created such software left the job, or if another person is appointed in place of him, then there will be a problem in maintenance, upgrade, and adding new features, modify and share the software.

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  2. Commercial Software

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          Commercial software’s are available with fees. Library has to purchase it from commercial software providing companies. This Software’s are commercial in nature and expensive. They may not be customizing as per the library need for every required and new feature; money is required to pay. Data share becomes easy. They are available on one time capital expenditure and recurring annual maintenance fees. Maintenance of this software is easy for any type of problem library rely on software Provider Company. Most of the large Indian Institutes libraries like IITS, IIMS, NITS, IISC, universities and big college libraries, corporate libraries have adopted commercial software’s for automating workflows of the libraries. Some of those Library Automation Software’s are LIBSYS, SLIM, SOUL. All those commercial software’s work based on standards for bibliographic data sharing and hence found useful in libraries.

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  3. Open Source Software

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               Open source software’s are available at free of cost or no cost. So the library budget may save and can be utilized for other areas of development. They are available freely with a full freedom to customize the source code as per the requirements of the library. open source supports fraternity in library community at the intrrnational level throgh cooperation, sharing of expertise and experiences. open source software’s are found difficult while installation. Some of those Library Automation Software’s are KOHA, Evergreen, etc.

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  4. Free software

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              It is software that is available at free of east but without the availability of source code. They are free to use. We cannot customize it or modify it. Some of those Library Automation Software’s are E-granthalaya, WEBLIS, etc.

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