Jimma University
Jimma Institute of Technology (JIT)
Faculty of Computing & Informatics
Automation of library and Information
systems
(INSC 3624)
Instructor Solomon A.
Email:- [email protected]
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Fall 2025
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General overview
• Library
• Automation
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Library
• A library is an organized collection of
information resources made accessible to a
defined community for reference or
borrowing.
• It provides physical or digital access to
material, and may be a physical building or
room, or a virtual space, or both.
• The main aim of any library is to provide access
to proper information, to the right users in
as possible as short time.
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Automation
• The word “automation” has been derived from
Greek word “automose” means something, which
has power of spontaneous motion or self-
movement.
• The term “automation” was first introduced by D.S.
Harder in 1936, who was then with General Motor
Company in the U.S.
• Automation is technology of automatic working
in which the handling method, the process and
design of professional material are integrated.
• This is the effort to achieve an automatic and self-
regulating chain of processes.
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Aims of Automation In the
library
• To develop and updated database of Books and
other Resources
• To implement automated system
• To carry out the charging and discharging
functions of the circulation section more
effectively.
• To provide various search options to know the
availability of books in the Library.
• To generate the list of books due by a particular
member and also the overdue charges.
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Historical background of
Library Automation
• Automation of library has passed through
several of developments, which can be divided
into 3 phases:
Experimental Phase (1930-1960)
Local systems Phase (1960-1970)
Co-operative Systems Phase (1970- )
Read the provided material (page 4 - 6)
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Needs of library Automation
• The factors necessitating automation of libraries
are the following:
Capacity to handle any amount of data and
information;
Speedy processing of information and its retrieval;
Flexibility in information search;
Standardization of library procedures;
Provide better bibliographic control at local,
regional, national and international level;
High rate and better quality in performance;
Avoid/eliminates duplication of works;
Overcome geographical and other barriers to
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communication; and etc.
Areas of library Automation
• The following are the areas of Library
Automation:
Acquisition;
Cataloguing and Indexing;
Circulation ;
Serial Control;
Library Administration and Management ;
On Line Public Access Catalogue ;
CDROM Databases Searches;
Resource sharing through Library;
Office Automation;
Information Retrieval.
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Steps in library Automation
• 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:
Feasibility study of the system
Hardware
Selection of software for library automation
Implementing library automation
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Special Features of Library
Automation
• It is an electronics based activity which is
carried out by human beings
• Standardization in library work
• Accuracy in work
• Speedily communication of information
• Avoid duplication in the library work
• Trained staff
• Availability of information
• It is a time saving system
• User friendly system
• Networking
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Barriers (challenges) of Library
Automation
• Library automation brings great changes in the
functioning of the library and proving effective
and efficient library services.
• But in spite of these great advantages, there are
many barriers which occur at the time of
implementing the automation in libraries.
Fear of adverse impact on employment
Apprehension that the technology could be too
expensive
The library staff has to undergo extensive
training
Lack of support from the management, may be13
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owing to budget Constraints
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