Libraries are a critical part of an educational institute. Usually, it has to roll out fine but complex tasks to maintain records of the books. When the institute is focusing on delivering quality educational services, a well- managed library is part of the service.
Moreover, as smart school operations are trending these days, libraries should be managed electronically to run the smarter institute. In this article, you will get in-depth details about the library management system and its benefits to the education industry. Let’s begin with understanding the basics of library management.
What is a library management system?
The library management system is a software to manage manual functions of a library. The software helps to manage the entire library operations from maintaining book records to issue a book. In addition, it allows streamlined management of fine details of books such as author name, edition, and many other important details. So, it is easier to search for books and find the right materials for students and the librarian.
The electronic management via the software is essential to track information like issue date, due date, who has borrowed any material, etc. The system is developed and designed with an aim to facilitate efficient management to the schools to manage a modern library with accurate data management. Thus, school management or library head can get all the necessary details electronically without
Automated library management system
This system helps educational institutes such as schools, colleges, and coaching centers to manage library functions automatically. The prime benefits of the automated library management system are to reduce overheads and increase productivity. The librarians can maintain all library functions easily. In short, this system supports keeping the records of all transactions of the books available in the library.
Types of a library management system
Depends on the functionalities, there are different types of library management software. The software is intended to reduce the manual work to manage library functions which have various features. Based on your requirements, you can also customize the software. The commonly used library management software is customized software-based functionality, opensource, cloud-based system, database creation software, and many more.
Generally, the software is occupied with pre-implemented features like check-in (to return a book), check out (to rent a book), or key detail information about the library materials (publication, author name, etc.). However, if you have any other specific requirements, the service provider may adjust the functionality in the system for you.
Components of a library management system
In order to maintain library management software, you will have the following set of components. These components are efficient to manage library operations accurately.
Admin login: the administrators can access the entire functionality of the system via this component. The admin can maintain the records and track them as per necessity. Also, the admin can add or remove entries into the system respectively.
User login section: the students who want to access library materials, need to do registration first. The registration allows for maintaining records accurately. After registering, they can check out and check in the library material.
Add and update books: The admin can add new books or other materials to the system with the essential details. Thus, the librarian can maintain the system effectively.
Search option: all users of the system, including admin can search for library materials. Admin and students can search for books by entering the name of the book.
View order status – the admin can view rented books and their due date. Also, the other details like students details who has rented a book will be available in this module.
Check-in and check out– this is the distinct component of a library management system where a student can check in, and check out the library souveniers electronically. This facility helps to save the time of both; students, and the librarian.
Fine calculator – The students and admin can view the issued materials with their due date. And, if any book is overdue, the system will allow calculating fine for the same.
Why choose a web-based library system?
A web-based system is more convenient than traditional desktop applications. Users can easily access the cloud or web-based application from anywhere at any time. It is also cost-effective solutions to manage burdensome library operations. Moreover, you can easily get an option to customize the software as per your institute’s needs. Since a web-based library system offers enough security measures, you do not need to worry about data breaching.
library management system advantages and disadvantages
The library management system is designed to contribute well-management of library functions. It offers ease to perform day to day library operations electronically. This practice being many advantages like;
- Simple and easy to operate
- Increase librarian’s efficiencies
- Mobile access, anytime, anywhere
- Search, add, update, and view library materials online
- Helps to manage library functions constructively
- Saves time and reduces overheads
- Reduce library’s operating cost
- Customized reports for better management
- Remove manual processes to issue books and maintain records
The advantage of library management software outweigh the disadvantages. But, there are few disadvantages factors are associated with the system.
- Online stored data is predisposed to cyber hacks. Opting for a reliable online system reduces the risk
- sometimes it is complicated to operate for first-time users
- Requires high-speed internet connectivity for a web-based system
- Risk of computer virus
- Unlike online systems that use cloud computing, Open source system stocks data on the computer’s hard drive. This raises the risk of data loss.
Importance of a library in school education
Library management systems facilitate the administrators to keep an eye on the library department’s all functions. Also, it enables librarians and users to save time on daunting tasks and enhances efficiency. By using this sort of library management system, the school management would be able to follow the work outline and fineness of different librarians capabilities. Additionally, they get an opportunity to know how well-maintained the record of issued books and collection is. The librarian and the administration department can access various reports to implement new improvements.
Thus, the efficient library management software is essential to run smart school functions, and maintain accurate data of a library. MyEdu offers a smart school application for schools, colleges, and coaching centers to systematically manage library operations. Get one for your institute and match up with the latest school trends. Get in touch with us to know more details about how the library management system accommodates your educational institute.