Desiree Webber and Andrew Peters, in their book “Integrated Library Systems: Planning, Selecting, and Implementing”, define an integrated library system as, ‘It is a software that uses computer processing power to efficiently perform various library management tasks using user and library material records.’ An integrated library system is a computer-based information system. It consists of some interrelated parts or components and sub-components. These perform specific tasks based on cooperation with each other and thereby fulfill specific objectives. When all library functions are performed using a common database with the help of a library management system, then that system is called integrated.
Integrated library systems are divided into different modules. Each module has a specific function. Examples of modules are acquisition, cataloging, circulation, etc. Each module may have sub-modules or sub-components. For example, the sub-modules of the circulation module include book lending, return acceptance, fine calculation, etc.
Main modules of integrated library software:
Modern integrated library systems are composed of multiple modules. There is a module for each task. Based on these tasks, we can analyze the modules. For example, if we analyze the cataloging module, we will find various types of sub-programs, such as catalog data entry, data downloading, data validation, etc.
- Cataloging Module: This module is responsible for cataloging library materials and recording bibliographic details of the cataloged materials. The main features of the cataloging module include search, editing, storage, indexing, etc. Data entry is done in the cataloging module following the standard MARC. When a collection of records in the catalog database is stored and indexed (keywords are extracted from various fields), the user can search for that record through the online catalog. A recent innovation in the field of cataloging is Resource Description and Access or RAD. It is a standard for describing digital records and accessing such records. This standard, based on AACR 2, provides guidelines for the description and use of various types of content and media.
- Circulation Module: This module handles all the library material transactions with the reader. It includes lending and returning materials, calculating fines, reserving materials, storing member information, generating reports, etc. This module is required to maintain both user records and material records. User records include a name, ID number, address, phone number, etc. In addition, this module also stores circulation policies, calendars, information about which users will enjoy which benefits, etc.
- Acquisition Module: This module handles the ordering and management of materials. It includes ordering materials, receiving, processing invoices, making claims, allocating funds, verifying vendor activities, generating reports, etc. Orders can be sent to vendors electronically by following the format provided in this module. This module provides information about the current status and availability of the ordered materials. Once the material is received and its MARC record is created, the user can use the Circulation module to find out about the availability of the library and the material.
- OPAC Module: The function of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) module is to search, retrieve and display library materials. In addition to various keywords, searches can be made by author, title and subject. The user can decide the method of search. He can also decide the font and style in which the search results will be displayed. Using a modern OPAC, the user can reserve library materials on loan, print, save and share the list of materials to be retrieved with others.
- Serial Control Module: This module manages the content of periodicals, journals, newspapers, etc. Its various functions include managing subscriptions, renewal of content, claiming for unsubscribed content, allocation of funds, evaluation of vendor performance, issue management, etc. Serial publications can be searched and browsed using this module based on publisher, title, ISSN, etc. Records can also be edited. This module can manage both serial numbers and volumes of records.
- Inter-library Loan Module: If a library does not have an item, registered readers can request it electronically using the library website. Inter-library loan is a type of resource sharing between libraries, which uses the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) approved ILL protocol. This protocol is a standard that allows libraries to share resources electronically among themselves. This module has the facility to manage all types of inter-library loan requests.
- Authority Control Module: Although Mark 21 bibliographic records are created by the cataloging module, the authority titles (author name, book title, series and subject) of those records are created and managed in this module. It links the authority titles to the corresponding records. This module groups all titles with similar or synonymous meanings under a particular title. It also includes See and See also cross-references. Authority control ensures the consistency of bibliographic record titles. This module is usually purchased as an additional module or add-on.
- Media Management Module: This module can be used to reserve multimedia resources in the library. This module can be used to search for and locate multimedia resources. Among the overall management functions of this module, CDs, DVDs, videos, and audio are the main ones. This module also keeps track of the usage of various types of resources and generates various reports related to them.
- Electronic Resource Management Module: The two main types of electronic resources are e-books and e-journals. The tasks that can be performed through this module include license management, access distribution, record creation, usage statistics, report generation, etc. Using the e-Resource Central Solution developed by Sirsidynix, e-books from various e-book service providers can be managed in an integrated manner, allowing readers to read hundreds of e-books on topics of their choice.
Integrated Library Systems (ILS) simplify library operations by combining essential modules like cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and user management into a single platform. These systems improve efficiency by automating workflows, enhancing resource accessibility, and delivering a smooth user experience. With ongoing advancements, ILS is crucial for modern libraries, ensuring effective information management and improved service delivery.
