Library Management Software

TECHNOLOGY: Library Management Software

The benefits of library automation are obvious--efficient circulation, printing of overdue lists and statistics, maintaining an accurate patron database, and collection mapping--all which provide the teacher-librarian with additional time to work with staff and students focusing on supporting learning. The teacher-librarian should work with central office personnel to select a library automation system that best meets the needs of the school and the district.

Finding a system that meets your needs:

First, undertake a needs assessment; decide what you want from your library automation software and prepare a plan which includes a rationale for automation and a potential budget.
Examine your school library's infrastructure to determine if it can support the library automation software systems you are examining. Remember to consider the technical support available to you.
Along with reading reviews and software specification, contact other school divisions to discuss the software systems they are using.
Contact vendors and invite them to provide you with presentations and price lists of their products.
Ensure that the system adhers to international standards for cataloguing.

Getting Started

Ten Steps to Library Automation: a checklist to help you plan the implementation of a library automation program.

The Library Index Vendor List: a comprehensive list of library automation software vendors and contact information.

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