Library automation refers to the use of computers to automate typical library procedures like cataloging and circulation. It involves converting manual systems like card catalogs to digital systems like online public access catalogs (OPAC). Automating libraries provides benefits like reducing errors, improving access and control over collections, and allowing staff to focus on user services rather than clerical tasks. Key areas of library automation include acquisition, cataloging, circulation, serial publications control, and interlibrary loans.

1. Library
automation basics
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2. Introduction
 Automation is a process of using machinery for easily working and saving human
power and time.
 Library automation refers to the use of the computer to automate the typical
procedures of libraries such as cataloging and circulation.
 In the process of library automation, a library makes the use of computers and other
technologies to support its systems and services.
 Library automation is the conversion of a library’s procedures from manual to
computerized, such as from a card catalog to an OPAC(online public access
catalogue), or from manual circulation cards to an integrated library system.
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5. Definition
 ALA (American library Association) Glossary of Library and
Information Science defines automation as “the performance of an
operation, a series of operation or a process by self activating, self
controlling, or automatic means.
 Automation implies use of automatic data processing equipment
such as a computer or other labour saving devices”.
 Although, the term automation was first introduced by D. S. Harder
in 1936, the word library automation is being used in literature for
the last five decades.
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6. Needs and purposes of library automation
 Much of the works involved in library are repetitive, tedious, and mechanical in nature
requiring accurate updating of records in files.
 The same bibliographic record in a library is used to perform multiple operations. Each
operation may concern with individual copies of a title.
 A bibliographic record created at the time of ordering a document is first used for its
acquisition, then for technical processing and subsequently for library OPAC(online
public access catalogue), circulation, binding, etc.
 Automation permits decentralized access to a bibliographic record by multiple users.
 A staff member in a branch library can verify the status of an order without maintaining
duplicate files or without making an enquiry.
 A user can check to see if a book is out on loan or available on the shelf of the library.
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7. Cont.….
 The application of information technology in libraries results in increased
operational efficiency.
 It ensures ease of functioning, accuracy and economy in human labor with
greater speed;
 The library staff, specially the younger ones, finds use of computers interesting
and exciting.
 Use of computers can be a motivating factor for several library staff members;
 The IT increases productivity of library staff. It relieves professional staff from
clerical chores so that they can be fruitfully used for user-oriented library
services; and
 It improves quality of services rendered by the library.
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9. Advantages of library automation
Automation has the following advantages.
 1) Professional staff need not spend much time to do the routine library works
 2) Eliminates human errors while performing routine library works.
 3) Improved control covers library collection.
 4) Increased computer awareness among users.
 5) Cataloguing is faster, instant access to non records.
 6) Excellent control over circulation.
Some Library Software:
 SOUL
 LIBSYS
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10. Mechanization vs. automation
Automation
 Automation and mechanization are often
confused with each other;
 Mechanization saves the use of human
muscles whereas automation saves the use
of human judgment.
 whereas Automation displaces mental labor
as well.
 Automation is the replacement of human
thinking with computers and machines.
 Automation create jobs for skilled workers
at the cost of unskilled and semi skilled
workers.
 It affects many industries at the same time.
Mechanization
 Mechanization refers to the replacement
of human power with mechanical power
of some form.
 The use of hand power tools is not an
example of mechanization.
 Mechanization displaces physical labor.
 Mechanization affects one or two
industries at a time
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11. Areas of library automation
 Acquisition System: Automates the acquisition process, ordering, receiving, claiming
materials from suppliers and returns and cancellations of materials.
 Acquisition can be done online if system is linked to an external network.
 Cataloguing System: Creation, storage, retrieval and management of bibliographic records
and indexes.
 Circulation System: Handles circulation activities such as lending, return, renewal and place
on hold.
 Serial Publications Control System: Manages placing, canceling, claiming of orders; returning
defective, unwanted and unordered material and accounting and statistical information.
 Inter-library loan via OPAC(online public access catalogue): Provides staff with an
information management system for interlibrary loan transactions.
 This includes automatic monitoring of loans and accounts, making claims, putting holds on
materials being borrowed, etc.
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12. Circulation
 An automated library circulation control system includes a plurality
of remote book processing terminals and a computer controlling
the terminals and processing data between the terminals and the
computer to maintain a current inventory of the circulation status of
the library books.
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13. Serial control
 Manage traditional subscriptions, complicated subscriptions,
e-databases, e-journals, newspapers, Bound Volumes, paper articles,
e-articles and many more resources with ease and efficiency.
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14. Reference
 https://www.librarianshipstudies.com/2017/10/library-automation.html
 https://www.lisedunetwork.com/needs-and-purposes-of-library-automation/
 https://somemmec.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/differentiate-between-
automation-and-mechanization/
 http://eprints.rclis.org/22787/1/EPRINT%20Library%20Automation.pdf
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15. Thank you
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