An Automation System for the School Library

LSSL 5396 Computer Science Applications to Librarianship

The School Library…

• Needs an accurate and efficient information retrieval system

• The information retrieval system should be:• Easy to use• Electronic• Able to maintain

confidentiality for:• Student assessment

records • Information retrieval

The Answer that Meets the Need:

An automation system!› Does the “heavy

lifting” for you! Components of an

automation system:› Circulation› Cataloging› Online Catalog

Access

Automated Systems: Circulation

• Speedy check in and checkout

• Use of barcodes and scanning devices assist in inventory

• Savings in storage space compared to card files

• Fast way to evaluate the collection

• Monitor usage statistics easily and accurately

Circulation Records

• Individual circulation records are private. Follow ALA/AASL guidelines http://www.ala.org/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/conflibrecds

• Sort by: • Date • Type of materials • Subject• Other

• Generate reports for promoting school library activity, especially surrounding programming or event

Automated Systems: Cataloging

Cataloging links the collections together. Functions include:› Adding MARC

records› Printing shelf

lists› Producing

collection statistics reports

Automated Systems: OPAC

Important aspects of an OPAC are:› Ease of use› Choice of search

options (basic or advanced)

› Integrated search results (federated searching)

Automated Systems: Disadvantages Require electricity Require backup to

prevent loss of data May be

compromised by hacking

How might automation software improve the efficiency of the school library?

• Four areas where automation is able to help:– Scheduling– Circulation– Inventory– Overdue notices & other

communications with users (stakeholders)

Automation & Scheduling

Staff work schedules

Hours of operation Collaboration efforts Class research Teaching time Testing schedule More…

Automation & Inventory

• Knowing what is in the school library’s collection is important for collection development

• Many districts require a yearly inventory

• Consider conducting inventory when the lack of circulating books will not be disruptive to students having books in their hands to read

Automation & Overdue Notices + Other Communication• Modification of

printed notices to maintain privacy following ALA/AASL guidelines http://www.ala.org/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/conflibrecds

• May add information as needed for notices

• Reduces time-consuming manual tasks

Automation Systems…

Automation systems in the school library do so much!

This book is a valuable source for helping you learn more!