Integrated Library System Benefits

Integrated Library System is an advance library system used in schools, colleges, universities, etc. It has replaced the traditional library system where students have to find books from one shelf to another shelf.

The integrated library system supports all the activities related to library functions and user services. It provides an online interactive system for processing, storage, and retrieval. It also facilitates the interchange of information with other organizations.

The benefits of integrated library system are:

• Easy searching – It enables online searching of library material, which leads to fast and easy searching. Students prefer these types of digital libraries.
• Computerized services – It supports computerized library services which help in easy stock management.
• Web-based information – It provides a high-quality web-based information gateway.
• User-friendly – It is a user-friendly software that facilitates all the functions to run in a seamless manner.
• Full access – It offers expanded access to library materials. It provides full access to the whole library material in an effective way.

The integrated library system helps in the smooth functioning of the library functions by providing different modules.

• - The OPAC (Online public access catalog)
• - Acquisition module
• - Serial module
• - Circulation module
• - Cataloging module

The integrated library system is also known by the name of the automated library system. It facilitates online searching on a large scale. The different types of software used in library automation system are given below:

• Basic software –This software facilitates data entry, sorting, editing and merging of data.
• Database management system – They are an essential part of programming which help in storage and retrieval of system. They are further divided into three parts that are:
  • a)     File management system
  • b)     Relational DBMS
  • c)     Network and Hierarchical DBMS
• Text-retrieval package – It helps in the retrieval of the records available in the library. Its features are:
  • a)     It is a self-contained software
  • b)     The records are independent
  • c)     One can access data
  • d)     It is user interface
• Online retrieval system – It supports online retrieval services. It supports searching in a large database online.
• In-house keeping – This system supports the library housekeeping operation like circulation, cataloging, serials control etc.

Integrated library system is user friendly software which technically supports the software in following ways:

• Language – It refers to the programming language installed in the software should run smoothly.
• Technical compatibility – The software must support the latest version and run in operating system in the hardware.
• Ease of use – Software package should cover all the in-house functions of the library to make it simple and easy to use.
• Interface – It should facilitate the import and export of the data from other systems.
• Integration – It also offer the facility to integrate the data in the system.
• Support – Good support system is an advantage of software. If the software provides full support like online training, on-site training and help desk it is rated high.
• Training – Both on-site and off-site training are important in the software.