An Automation System for the School Library LSSL 5396 Computer Science Applications to Librarianship
May 25, 2015
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!