Library Automation in Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya

Introduction 

Automation means a system in which a workplace or process has been converted to one that replaces or minimizes human labor with mechanical or electronic equipment. The term Library automation is used to describe the organization, storage, location, and retrieval of encoded information in computer systems. Library automation is the use of data processing machines to perform such regular library activities as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, serials, and online public access catalogue (OPAC) etc. Although these activities are not necessarily performed in traditional ways, the activities themselves are those traditionally associated with libraries: library automation may thus be distinguished from related fields such as information retrieval, automatic indexing and abstraction, and automatic textual analysis. 

Development of Libraries in BSAM 

Library plays a central role in an academic institution. It is the heart of the institution and an indicator of its quality and standard. It supports to impart quality education, and therefore, must be updated constantly with sufficient educational materials. It is this principle that has led BSAM to update its facilities and resources, and to purchase books and journals through its regular budget. Now, BSAM has three libraries; Central Library, Campus Library, and Children’s Library. BSAM Library previously used CDS/ISIS a software developed and distributed by UNESCO for information storage and retrieval. Keeping in view the developments in the field of technology, it has become necessary to automate all activities of library. 

Library Software's in Nepal Large numbers of library software's have been developed by the librarians and the information scientists all over the world. The Library software's used in Nepal are MINISIS, MAITRAYEE, LIBSYS, SOUL, KOHA, ALICE, ATHENA, MIDAS, LIBRA, LIMS and LIBINF, etc. Need for Automation in BSAM Library Various factors have contributed to bring about change from conventional to automated library activities. Broadly speaking, the main reasons behind this change are: • Growth of documents • Growth of users • Users services • Greater efficiency • Cooperation and resource sharing • Creation of user friendly environment • Developing interest among Users.

KOHA Koha is full featured modern integrated software developed for the Horowhenua Library Trust by Katipo Communication, Wellington in 1999. It is web based OPAC system. It can tailor full catalogue, circulation, acquisitions system for library stock management and serial management models. It is simple, clear search interface for all users. It can manage online and off line resources with the same tool. It runs on windows as well as Linux operating systems. In BSAM Library, Koha is running on Linux operating system because Linux is free and open source software. This installation is based on centos 5 is a Linux operating system including MYSQL, Apache and Perl. Yes, window is users friendly but Z39.50 Servers can not be run on windows. Z39.50 is an international standard for searching and retrieving information from remote databases. In practice, it provides a way for libraries to search and retrieve records from other libraries. Therefore it saves the time of staffs/users. Koha can generate Spine and Barcode label which is minimum requirement of an automated library. Librarian can send massage or note to members and circulation Section. OPAC stands for On-Line Public Access Catalog which is the major attractions of Koha. It has a powerful OPAC with a choice of search options and variety of display formats. It has good facilities for searching books. Library users can search their required books easily and know how many books of particular Author, Title, Subject, Serial Title, Item Barcode, Call Number, ISBN, Publisher's etc. are available in the library and its branch or on loan. If required books are not available members can reserved the books. If users do not know the full name of title, author, and subject; can use Dictionary Search. Users can search latest books available in the library or suggest the librarian to buy the required books. 

General Features of KOHA 

• Simple, clear interface for Librarians and Members (Patrons) 

• Customizable Search 

• Circulation and Borrower Management 

• Cataloging Module with integrated Z39.50 client 

• Full Acquisitions System including Budgets and Pricing information and Simple also for the smaller libraries 

• Ability to cope up with any number of Branches, Patrons, Patron Categories, Item Categories, Currencies and other data 

• Serials System for magazines or newspapers 

• Reading Lists for Members 

Conclusion 

Information technology and computers have modernized our life and libraries are no exception to it. Therefore, library automation is the need of the information age. BSAM Library started its automation work in the beginning of 2008. Circulation report records that it was circulated books at first time in 18th May 2008. BSAM Library is the first library in Nepal which is circulating its documents by using Koha. Koha is free Library Software and it avoids duplication. It hopes to make its circulation system and transaction works systematic and fast with the implementation of barcode in all its collections. 

References 

• Riaz, Muhammad(1992). Library automation, Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi. 

• Shah, Steve; Soyinka, Wale(2005), Linux administration: a beginner's guide, 4th ed., Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing, New Delhi. 

• Vaidya, Bina (2008), Use of Library Software in Nepal: a case study of TUCL, TULSSAA: a journal of library and information science, Kathmandu, Vol. 6. Issue No. 1. April 2008. 

Websites 

• www.kohadocs.org 

• www.koha.org