A Research on the Automation and Network of Libraries

Exploring the Affordability, Application, and Challenges of Library Automation Tools

by Mahadevaiah D.*,

- Published in Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, E-ISSN: 2230-7540

Volume 6, Issue No. 11, Jul 2013, Pages 1 - 7 (7)

Published by: Ignited Minds Journals


ABSTRACT

In the fields of library, computer science and library automation in particular, the growth and advancement of information and communications technology (ICT) plays an important role. This analysis also offers a statistical view of the programme packages that libraries and the modules use for the automation of libraries. This report shows studies on the automation and networking of libraries. The research focuses primarily on affordability, application and challenges confronting Library Automation Tools throughout the installation and usage phase.

KEYWORD

library, automation, network, information and communications technology, programme packages, modules, affordability, application, challenges

INTRODUCTION

Application of machines and usage of machine related goods and resources in different operations and functions in the provision of diverse services and development of outputs is stated in single term library automation. Computers and IT have a significant influence and their use on libraries, which is why a phase of major reform is ongoing in libraries. New technology is transforming the essence of our culture fundamentally and is therefore influencing the dominant commercial, political and social traditions and libraries. Industrialized countries were first realized that classical methods regarding storage, processing, and usage of information were no longer sufficient and efficient in the light of stocks of expertise and that the remedy was to allow optimal use of the latest advances in electronics. In library activities and programmes, our nation is very backward in machine use. There might be several factors, but the condition shifts rapidly. Conditions are being favorable and modernization, which involves libraries, is also being highly stressed by the nation. In fact, 76 professionals from the library are inspired and willing to obtain training for computer-based jobs. Library automation requires a large amount of routine mechanization and tedious activities for individuals. The human intervention is significantly diminished with the introduction of robotics. Computer appearance significantly improved the automation of the library. Besides computer development, networking and audiovisual innovations have given way to new opportunities in the handling of knowledge in India; in comparison to developing countries the usage of the computer is confined to certain specialist libraries. The automation of libraries involves the usage of machines and other semi-automatic equipment such as punched cards. They are semi-automatic, as human activity is larger. So, in this period, when we are talking about library automation, it's mostly the use of machines. This implies the related peripheral media (magnet tapes, discs, optical media, etc.).

LIBRARY AUTOMATION

"Bibliographic automation can be considered as the use, for conventional library households such as procurement, circulation, cataloguing and reporting, as well as serial control, on automated and semi-automatic data processing machines (computers). "Library Automation" is the most common concept to characterize library mechanization of a machine”.

TASKS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION

The moves in the implementation of a library automation system consist essentially of when an established system is first converted or an automation system implemented. Both are prepared and defined by difficulties. The next phases include project goals and restrictions, method or current processes review, the selection or design of a new framework, system estimation, new system testing, transformation into the new system and personnel as well as user training. An evaluation of the automated solution need is carried out, or acknowledgment of the insufficiency of current automated systems. This evaluation employs unofficial approaches. Regardless of the process, it implies that the reform or approval of the status quo is inevitable. governmental units, employees, the Advisory Committee and the Library Committee, will decide if the need is developed and necessary features are known. A schedule is established, acquired, funded, hired, granted contracts, obtained physical areas and the testing, installation and deployment of the device. The staff should be trained to use it and library customers should be informed on its functions. Job of the following library automation:

System analysis design

The next move is to examine how the present structure performs to evaluate how it works and to define its features and roles, as defined goals are mediated by restrictions. The method is to be tested, for example the handling mechanism or one recommended by a manufacturer or an automatic circulation system already being utilized by the organization. The result needed for this step is a clearer comprehension of the appropriate and revamped functionality of the current framework. The resulting paper establishes the foundation for a new device configuration or the selection of a specific supplier for the forthcoming phase of the project. System architecture is several times long and nuanced, analyzing customer needs, shortcomings and current system activities. It could contribute to a new structure that satisfies human criteria and formal needs. Since most libraries don't upgrade their own automation processes, a brand-new framework is not changed. However, certain scheduled operations also follow particular consumer criteria in configuring vendor applications. The checking is a constant method while a programmer initiates a code whether the workers check the framework informally, when the product undergoes different quality assurance processes and when the case is utilized by other programmers. Even a completed product designed for handling by the manufacturer is also being checked. If a framework has been built or bought by companies, test requirements established at the outset should be enforced. In the provider departments, the library data will be used to preliminary validate a device designed to fulfil the library specifications. Often a supplier device will be moved to the library and the system will be configured. Depending on the corporate criteria, the assessment process may be very comprehensive. Check applications as well as hardware. Whilst the calibration of library automation applications is not codified, there are comparativeness common approaches to ensure sure hardware operates properly. terminals. The simulator stores command system to register, dates and timestamps all contact with the testing computer and has expected responses. This structured is not normally checked. Sometimes, the role of informally checking the role of the device is handed out by a community of library workers. You register any irregularities on paper or on your computer tip. The vendors and designers are then told regarding problems.

Conversion

The library needs major transfer exercises if the manual method is changed to a computerized one. Any borrower's record is inserted into an electronic system for a system where new customer library cards are issued with barcode Identification (ID). A barcode is given in a computing file to label a new book with a bibliographic summary for any of the books containing a barcode. Borrower categories should be defined and rights of borrowing shall be established for each form and category of borrower content. This are not insignificant works and a wide library can require 100 hours. The findings have to be almost without mistake. The manual machine can continue to work throughout the planning for automation. When the automatic mechanism is in operation, protections must be given to guarantee that the transaction is truthful. Conversion might seem better, but this situation has drawbacks and advantages if a library proceeds from one automation method to another. The value of the workforce is the usage of an electronic framework who will understand the fundamental principles. Download or load information in the same format does the same way for No 2-supplier hardware or software framework unload or load information in either area or arrange their data in the same way. The conversion becomes difficult if informal awareness of two library automation systems is needed, rather than of 1 system. It also needs awareness of two platforms of hardware and two operating systems.

Operation

It may be put into service whenever a secure structure occurs. The workers should comprehend the method and compose and observe protocols. Other critical tasks that must be recorded include how to trigger and interrupt the device, how to deal with immediate emergencies, how to identify issues, how to backup data, and who should alert in different circumstances.

Training

Most people who are operating the machine needed experience. Management in the outset has to realize how the method operates as it works properly and how it varies from the new system. Periodic status reports on systems activity were often needed for

Libraries want to pass the burden to contractors, engineers and manufacturers for understanding a library automation scheme. This is a misunderstanding that will direct you into applying issues if the library considers that the device can function confidently differently from the way the creator and the provider feels it is running. The people who run the system need thorough preparation, as creators always assume that the system, they have created is self-evident and once in operation is problem-free. This is not generally the case. The additional documents received from provider professional service staff and individuals who act as students, in written form in videos and in support services fundamental into the framework are therefore likely to receive and utilize the system effectively.

ADVANTAGES OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library automation by utilizing the library programme and the knowledge and resources feature 1. Pace - The retrieval of knowledge is achieved quicker, thereby enhancing library workflow. 2. Precision - The degree of consistency and precision of information transmission is 100%. However, the quality of data supplied to the machine is based on this. 3. Performance of cost – running expenses is minimized when less workers use fuel. If the device is properly built and well controlled, it may be further minimized. 4. Library workload reduction – library workload may be minimized when the machine may function extensively in a split-second period. 5. Improved consumer facilities – improved quality is accomplished that computers. No processing delays. 6. Eliminates job replication - Work duplication is stopped 7. Easier external database entry. The details can be viewed quickly. 8. Information access and scan- Web access and information search is feasible.

DISADVANTAGES OF LIBRSRY AUTOMATION

Although your library can be automated, it is critical that you are conscious of the annoyance library automation. Both are as follows: device has been chosen and installed, it must be kept continuously in reasonable shape. The Local Area Network (LAN) integrated device linked to libraries adds more pressures on communications experts and information practitioners. 2. This implies that it cost a lot more than separate media centers and small libraries would give to start-up expenses, infrastructure, applications, writing, network cabling, continuing bar code marks, costs including materials for printer, furniture, annual repairs, technological service and translation of the shelf-lists into a machine-returned catalogue (MARC). 3. The automated device provision does not provide adequate time for personnel to offer up-to-date facilities or work with instructors, students and other customers. Automation simply removes certain jobs but creates others. End user preparation, continuing programme and hardware troubleshooting, and database management specifications on the technical and media information specialist. 4. For device downtime, access to the automatic framework is not accessible. This prevents the consumer from accessing the set, particularly when the card or store list in library and media Centre no longer exists. Awareness of library automation's benefits and flaws can allow you to plan for improvements in your mission. Like technology, library automation costs money and time, and techno tension symptoms of anger and pain are common.

CHALLENGES OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION

The problems of Library Automation are not recorded as much and knowledge on them needs to be collected from technical specifics and sources which are challenging to locate. There are problems with 3 classes of staff-centers, hardware and personal systems vendors, librarians and 3 forms of bad preparation, poor design and poor deployment.

Computer Centre and applications associated staff

Many trouble areas may be found in this form. The first is that it was impossible for certain library initiatives to have the abundance of data processing time, the second is the lack of computer Centre preference for the development of library systems; and the third is the lack of bibliotherapy analysis of

Providers with hardware and applications

The issue form can be classified in this category3. The first is to include the hardware and software required by downtime providers. The public library from the Orange Nation has built and introduced a circulation scheme that would never be utilized, simple as the business was not provided with the hardware. A second issue is that manufacturers breakdown, either in due time or in some manner, to supply the necessary applications. Thirdly, the familiar issue is inadequate operation, which has influenced the whole project using paper tape machine and is still a problem, most libraries that use the automation project are either defective equipment, badly designed or poorly engineered.

Skilled librarians

Probably the big grave issue with the library personnel is that genuine study and observation are not distinguished between institutional advances or independent research grants. While grants have started some of the growth of library automation, most have begun from individual library operations. A limited number of bookstores have placed a portion of their study and observation budgets purposely to one foot. Since most experimental approaches have been tried in the likeness of organizational development, librarians consider those that have not succeeded failures. A fund used by further jobs or more books was destroyed, and misjudgment or mismanagement was also suggested. See now that study and observation are required – the best way to progress a career – all of these failings were also achievements. They also made a valuable addition to this section of the library to begin explaining approaches which have not succeeded. The inability to communicate to the profession on the challenges endured is the real failure of those librarians participating with these ventures. A few ventures were recorded directly and absolutely, but most died slowly, almost secretly. Maybe because they were to be operative instantly their cessation was looked at with disgrace, perhaps inconvenience, and the officials declined to speak about them. In such situations, the mistake extends beyond the loss of a moment to help progress the profession with actual incorrect finds, as some libraries will replicate the procedure with the same outcomes, unnecessarily wasting time, work and resources.

Failure to schedule efficiently

Any of the problems of nervous library automation ventures are not the single province of either of the individuals listed above, however they can all be taken from. The first type of this dilemma may usually be for offering a newly created facility, provided that the resources can be compensated for. However, there were a number of initiatives not for all these purposes, just because the administrative administration were compelled to automate and modernize the library, to keep up with library-group joneses, to boost their personal standing or just because everyone in the library is pleased about the equipment and wanted a new toy. Systems therefore introduced without sufficient review of the project objectives and goals are likely to collapse early and although they are not completely executed, the lack of well-established goals would be challenging, even unlikely, to assess their progress.

Failure to design successful

In addition, the authentic architecture of several bibliographic schemes is predictable and fairly routine to allow for unfair hypothesis, for example, that acquisitions may be re-used without significant adjustments to the catalogue cards for these serials. The method established may even fail to provide for proofing and editing proceedings as in the Florida Atlantic Book Catalog Project, where it was incorrect to focus on the copy code library for keyboarding without a revision. Although some processes have routines for coping with exceptional circumstances that may again be attributed to goodwill. A second question in the design process is the hardware option. The selected machinery could be ideal for first output tasks, but unacceptable for usage in a separate setting. When used in a high-volume manufacturing environment and reverse hardware for continuous usage, the hardware built for intermittent use can fail if used irregularly, as in the Hawaiian facsimile method.

Lack of successful execution

When programmes extend the deployment process, much of the issues already existed and develop, however at this point several initiatives always delay. A popular concern lies in the reality that those who enforce the method neglect to take proper care of individual standards and human elements through librarian administrative workers and employees. Except where it is made explicit to any employee concerned with the new framework that the object of good service or further help on the basis of the system is an awareness of security danger, it is possible that this risk would be unregulated even though it is not mentioned. Temporary additional workloads and drawbacks induced by the need to transform the data should be interrupted and clarified.

COMPUTER NETWORKING IN LIBRARY

It is essentially a link between two or more cable computer systems. The exchange of knowledge between the various structures is important. In library

framework can be accomplished in a great many ways. As a consequence, the computer hardware, applications and peripheral businesses are in high demand.

LIBRARY NETWORK

Recent demographic development has contributed to more non-technical individuals discovered about the benefits of network construction technologies such as electronic mail and continue to pursue the expanded usage of networked information services. Network consumers are more involved than ever. The growing difficulty of user control as a physical device highlights the need for navigational knowledge and access resources that are quickly used. Often knowledge will now be accessible quicker than the written equivalent, in electronic form. Hence, the focus is shifted away from the speculative and unpredictable application of technological functions and towards the development of stable network networks that are ideal for direct usage without intensive assistance and preparation by a non-specialist. A simple trend is to find where the end consumer communicates directly with the source rather than via a human broker. Many of the challenges in arranging this complicated universe of knowledge services and having it usable appear similar to that that the typical librarian has in text, but it might not be feasible to transfer them directly. While these methods start to appear today, they seem to lack a sophisticated understanding of the knowledge processing mechanism from technological and computational fields. It is obvious, though, that these are only the predecessors of potential methods which are more genuinely going to solve the fundamental issues. This idea addresses several of the major knowledge exploration and recuperation method. The key area of study and academic networking in which such technologies have been used, is that network resources are seen as a form of education to be used for both science and learning, and therefore because there was a chance to build these tools without any early commercial burden to adapt to perceived need. A specific characteristic of study network settings was that librarians were interested in the complication of resource guides for network facilities. The guideline or online text document is not tailored to the constantly evolving network landscape of full convergence. Any network node can query a database that can alter services and positions. The size of the issue is such that no centralized and revised advice is available until these structures are given. redirected to the position for websites of collaboration databases to be processed. An X.500 distributed directory would seem to be an appealing alternative, but there is some question as to whether the existing norm is in a position to solve the issue to the acceptable degree. The distributed solution requires a degree of consensus on uniform definitions for item groups and protocols for the inter-local routing of queries. In order for the customer to be able to reach the resource directly, a guide will have to include routing details and explanations in order for the products requested to be thoroughly recovered without further intervention. There have been many proposals on plans to coordinate and recognize capital, particularly in the Internet world. However, with such an unregulated setting, there are many issues with the electronic database item that may result in material loss of various iterations and the issue of version control, for example, in the recognition of filenames for objects of the same content, in the separate instances of the same record. The usage of MARC cataloguing documents as a more conventional alternative was suggested and OCLC was researching the viability of this method. The final report recommended to establish a new position and access knowledge area but indicated that this expansion became less attractive because of the relative lack of formally written information. There has been no simple consensus system, and a conventional standardized citation and mapping method might not be a satisfactory alternative. The key emphasis is currently on the development of directory resources. The top node project aims at building a general directory of folders, catalogues, lists of resources, networking services and tools which together signify information sources. A proposed record format, providing pathway details for finding an object as a framework for consolidated databases, has been created by Top Node to update local copies. A recently developed Internet Network Knowledge Center intends to create a similar directory and preserve frequently revised files on the resource definition. This knowledge base can be circulated and will be supplied in disciplinary kits of resource information. These structured activities appear likely to be supported by the creation of the Internet as a National science and education network and by the rising emphasis on networking for economic development. A hypertext explorer that offers knowledge to a user of the IBM PC on links to library catalogues, on-campus information systems, free-networks, newspaper boards and other resource resources to create a link itself. It is still generally accessible and revised periodically in the public domain. This is a valuable complement to the owner of the working station which does not hide the difficulty of Internet contact, but serves like an assistant memory. There are much more restricted uses for online directories and they serve only small, geographic regions. The segment WHOIS is provided on several websites providing details on network users on a small scale and does not seek to share a similar database with other entities by delivering directory resources relating to the entity to which it refers. However, servers of this sort may be reached via remote login or by electronic mail from other points on the network. Bulletin boards and college information structures will also provide this short directory information on an ad hoc basis through often unsophisticated search mechanisms. Many researches on more organized knowledge exploration and information processing software have arisen from the internet again and represent the vast quantities of information accessible and the involvement and expertise of the user community in improving the tools. This is why such tools are built to operate over TCP/IP-based networks and typically involve a straight line from a host device or remote access for the consumer.

STEPS FOR LIBRARY AUTOMATION AND NETWORKING FOR COMPUTERISATION OF LIBRARY SERVICES

The decision on computerization is the first step in the computerization of library and information resources. A device review is the next step. The thorough review of each operation should be performed after the finalization of tasks to be computerized: • For the recognition of data elements: • Calculating the overall necessary storage capacity; • Ensure the programme is capable of handling the size (to be obtained or developed). Number of documents and fields; • Identify separate computer-related operations and identify data components that share numerous functions.

METHODOLOGY TO COMPUTERISE I AUTOMATE LIBRARY OPERATIONS

Decide the different housekeeping tasks of the library; • Determine input criteria for each operation (data elements). • Identify the appropriate production for each feature; • define the output for documents, data and media, as well as identify file size; create software to achieve desired outputs and purchase commercial library software to computerized some or all of the tasks to be computerized • Computerization method implementation and appraisal.

PLANNING FOR LIBRARY AUTOMATION

• Provision of computerization and networking library fund; • Advance automation preparation such as programme selection; operating device setups, database construction personnel and implementation; • Purchase of the new operating systems (Server. Nodes, Printers, Software, Barcode Scanner, Digital Camera etc.) • Availability of professional database & information resources for data systems administration, library applications etc.; • Data development training for either CDSASIS or SOUL and other software; • In- us operating device networking; Creation of a novel, serial, thesis, study data base; creation of the Circulation Service membership profile; on-line Circulation; • Serial Database web subscription; • Circulation parallel networks • Internet purchase; • Management & Infrastructure. • Generation of report; • Electronics, device maintenance; • Sufficient strength, UPS, generator stand; • Internet access and membership to the data network or network of libraries; • Consumer training on OPAC administration, internet, search/service CD-ROM databases

CONCLUSION

The performance of Library Automation and Networking is partly based on the effective preparation and decision-making by the university's authority. Simultaneously, Ewe motivates, encourages and endeavors database and knowledge specialists and well qualified data entry operators to carry out computerizations on library operations quickly and promptly. The best choice of hardware and software, the right preparation of trained feeding libraries and data entry operators, correct preparing and step-by-step execution. The tithe computerization programme contributes to progress.

REFERENCES

1. Asari K. Ravindra (2009). IT for librarians, IK international Publication House. Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. p. 132. 2. Gahale P. D. (2013). Library network and digital library, Garima Prakashan, Kanpur, p. 12. 3. Gopal Krishna (2005). Modern library automation, Authors press, Delhi, pp. 20. 4. Sampath Kumar G.K. (2012). Resource sharing and networking in digital libraries, Anand publication house, New Delhi. 5. Singh Gurudev (2007). Introduction to computers for library professionals, Ess Ess publication, New Delhi, p. 107. 6. Singh, Manvendra (2006). Computerization in libraries, Mahaveer & Sons, New Delhi, p. 1. 7. Tiwari P. (2010). Library automation, A.P.H. publication corporation, Delhi, p. 242. 8. Tiwari Purushotham., (2010), Library automation, APH Publication Corporation, New Delhi, p. 18. 9. Raval, Ajaykumar, M. (2013). Problems of Library Automation. International Journal of Multidisciplinary research, 2(2), pp. 1-6. 10. Upadhyay, Ashutosh, Pandey, Varsha, B. and Srivastava, C.B.P. (2012). Status, Problem And Prospects Of Library Automation In Engineering Colleges Of Jabalpur City: A Study, / International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA), 2 (4), pp. 2066-68.

Corresponding Author Mahadevaiah D.*

Librarian, Sri Mahadeshwara Government First Grade College, Kollegal, Chamarajanagar District