The university library is a significant resource for students, both in terms of academic study and research. Therefore, colleges and universities should make themselves easily accessible. A computer application that facilitates the distribution and cataloging of library materials is known as an integrated library management system. The system has the ability to monitor flow, keep track of patron activity, and communicate with databases at other libraries or institutions.
The goal of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) is to facilitate people’s access to library materials and increase library productivity by automating routine tasks. Software in schools with ILS capabilities is intended to better the educational experience for students. Keep reading this article to learn about some of the most important components of an integrated library system and how they might improve the usability of a college library.
Table of Content
Database
The ILS has enhanced the management information system through a program/database that unifies and streamlines several library functions. Thus, the database is the most important component of the ILS. This is where all the library’s information is stored. If you want to migrate to another or reinstall your existing software, your database will be the key to your success. So make sure you maintain consistent backups across your devices and services. It’s even easier if you have a reliable cloud-based service like HashMicro School Management System.
The ideal software has a database that can separate data for individual libraries and support using distinct library policies. For an integrated library system, however, the software must permit data from any library to be combined (ILS). Users will appreciate this feature because it streamlines searching for certain data. In addition, the product must immediately reflect any database changes in all affected records. The database should also have a record-locking system to ensure the security of its contents at all times.
Cataloging
Having cataloging is a must for any good library system. That’s how you may add books and their bibliographic information to the system. You can use this online catalog to look up information and advertise the library’s services and materials. A well-integrated library system will offer a copy cataloging feature to import records. Doing this will reduce the amount of time you spend cataloging books.Â
The library’s catalog records should be complete and accessible exclusively to librarians and authorized personnel. Changing titles, duplicating titles, and removing titles, call numbers/volumes, or copies should also be simplified. Following accepted cataloging standards will help your library’s patrons discover the information they need quickly and efficiently, maximizing the value of your collection.
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Circulation Module
Circulation is the most familiar aspect of a librarian’s job. The system uses the circulation module to check items in and out to track each item’s location accurately. In addition to being the link between items and users, the circulation module must also allow authorized staff to charge patrons who borrow items, track where they are, and even let patrons know when items are due (or overdue). The process can be done with emails or texts that are sent on their own.
This feature keeps items from being overdue so that the next person can borrow the item. Most of the time, the circulation module has an OPAC system that automatically looks at the library’s overall circulation and shows a list of the most popular titles, authors, or subjects. The circulation module is a necessary component of an integrated library system.
Patron Management
As a customer of the ILS, you need to be able to manage patrons or students at the university who use the ILS service. Beforehand, you need to know their names, addresses, and contact details as basic information. The ILS must support multiple ways to search patron records to accommodate expiration dates for patron library privileges. Privileges may only apply to some universities that put every student on the same patron status.Â
However, patron management can serve to automate blocking and unblocking after correcting blocking conditions which is beneficial for university libraries. However, the patron management module allows you to download or import patron data or even allow patrons to manage their accounts. Students can perform various activities, such as paying library fees online. This system is a perfect fit for patrons and librarians.
Online Public Access Catalog
Online Public Access Catalog or OPAC is part of the library management system. Modern web-based OPACs serve as a system for customers to interact with the library. OPAC is more than just a search and book ordering tool for customers. With a broader scope, it also allows patrons to pay library fees online, track their circulation history, and even make reviews and suggestions for new books. In conclusion, OPAC simplifies the customer’s relationship with the library through a system that automates every customer activity.
Staff Interface
You need to know who your customers are, where they live, and how to reach them. Library systems can add, change, or remove library users with a patron management module. You can download or import patron data. This is helpful if your library is part of a larger institution, like a university or school, that already has all your patrons’ or students’ information. You can even let people manage their accounts online, put books on hold, or pay library fees.
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Reports
Report-making is a useful skill for any work. It is also important to maintain making reports to make sure that the work is still going well. How can you find in a library which books were checked out the most at a certain time? Or which customers read less than they did in the past? Here, the reports module can be helpful. It will help you keep track of your library’s many activities, so you can keep running a stable and effective business.
Conclusion
A library system has obvious and direct benefits. Automation of processes can reduce time consumption, thereby increasing library productivity exponentially. Barcode scanning replaces the time-consuming process of manually entering information into library catalogs. Patrons will also like that they can use the OPAC to do both simple and advanced searches, saving you time. This means that libraries can work much faster and better at a much lower cost than if they had to hire more people to do the same job.
However, for large institutions like universities, it’s more than libraries that need a system to help simplify various processes. It would be better if the university had an overall system that could help with the task, such as Hash School Management Software. HashMicro’s system ensures that teachers can spend their time on more important tasks as the system automates other manual tasks. If you’re curious, get your free demo and pricing scheme from us now!
