1. Library Automation
Beverly Griffin
beverly.griffin@eagles.usm.edu

2. What is Library Automation?
Library automation is
computer and technology
usage in the library and in
library functions.
http://ihome.ust.hk/~lblkt/diploma/libauto/libauto.html
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3. What are the Areas of Library Automation?
 Library function automation
 Electronic resources such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, e-
books, etc.
 Remote electronic resources such as the Internet
 Office automation such as word-processing
spreadsheets, databases, etc.
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4. Players in Library Automation
 Librarians
 Supervisors and managers
 IT Coordinator and staff
 Library staff
 Patrons
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5. Top Library Automation Products
 Ex Libris
 Alma
 OCLC’s Web-scale Management Services
 SirsiDynix’s Symphony
 Innovative Interface’s Millennium
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6. Library Automation Needs Assessment
What areas need to be assessed?
1. Demographics such as town population size,
library service area, collection size, and circulation
statistics
2. Environmental constraints such as updated wiring
in building, accommodation of extra computers ,
and adequate phone lines
3. Physical assessment of library collection, which
includes areas to increase titles, items to withdraw,
and implementation of weeding project.
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7. Library Automation Needs Assessment
4. Collection of data about specific items in the
collection such as adult and children’s, reference,
periodicals, etc.
5. Circulation information for number of patrons and
special patron categories
6. Acquisitions that include the number of new items
purchased each year, purchasing vendors, and
usage statistics
7. Budget assessment that include purchase of
software and hardware
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8. Library Automation Costs
 Cost of planning and
consulting
 Purchase of the system,
hardware, and software
 Purchase of network
specific technology
 Convert to machine-
readable format
http://ihome.ust.hk/~lblkt/diploma/libauto/libauto.html
 Access to external
databases
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9. Advantages of Library Automation
 Improves services and quality of output
 Provides services and needs that cannot be done by
a manual system
 Sharing of library resources
 Offers information that can only appear in an
electronic format such as CD-ROM, Internet
resources, databases, etc.
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10. Disadvantages of Library Automation
 Loss of commitment
 Vendor viability
 Needs support of higher-level administrators
 Extra computer center support
 Inadequate resources
 Changes in the organization
 Attitudes of the staff and patrons
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11. Selected Sources
 Breeding, M. (2011). Automation Marketplace 2011: The New
Frontier. Library Journal. Retrieved from
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/889533-
264/automation_marketplace_2011_the_new.html.csp.
 Colorado State Library. (2010). Preparation Needs Assessment.
Basics of Library Automation. Retrieved from
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/technology/atauto.htm.
 Lam, K. T. (2002). Lecture Notes: Issues in Library Automation.
Retrieved from The University of Hong Kong School of
Professional and Continuing Education Diploma in Teacher
Leadership, http://ihome.ust.hk/~lblkt/diploma/libauto/libauto.html.
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12. Thank you for your attention.
What are your thoughts on improving library
automation in your local library?
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