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| Developments in Integrated
Library Systems (Summary)
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SUMMARY
SCOPE
The range of functions now available as modules of Integrated
Library Systems over and above the core functions and the
effects of new technology on the core functions.
POLICY ISSUES
Library managers must consider the cost of improved types of ILS
in relation to the other calls on their budget. New Technology
is expensive especially in its early phases but it may be able
to reduce staff costs. It is possible that technology now in use
will shortly become obsolete.
Integrated Library Systems are not a new development in many
parts of Europe. The modules now commonly in use are:
· Public access catalogue
· Circulation records including database of users
· Cataloguing and authority control
· Acquisitions records
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES
Innovation in the field of Integrated Library Systems relates to
the developments of functionalities going beyond the essential
‘core modules’ such as:
-
voice renewals and
telemessaging;
-
stock rotation and
exchange;
-
automated storage
and retrieval;
-
interlibrary loans
and document supply;
-
management of local
information;
-
Z39.50 searching on
OPACs;
-
management
information systems;
Librarians should
also be aware of technological developments in the field of
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) which may radically affect
core functions of an Integrated Library System and other routine
library tasks including:
-
acquisition;
-
issue and return;
-
prevention of
theft;
-
finding missing
items.
These innovations
make it possible for library users to issue and return books
without help from clerical staff for the first time. This could
affect patterns of employment and recruitment in public
libraries but the introduction of the technology is at such an
early stage that this cannot yet be quantified.
FUTURE AGENDA
The new technology is still developing and will probably become
cheaper and more powerful in the near future. It has the
potential to affect many aspects of library work apart from
those listed above. It can for instance be combined with
smart-card technology to speed up the payment of small debts and
relieve libraries of the problems of authenticating readers.
Home
| Developments in Integrated
Library Systems (Summary)
Full Text: Page 1 | Page 2 |
Page 3 | Page 4
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