LIBRARY SYSTEM:

Terms of Agreement: By using this code, you agree to the following terms... 1. You may use this code in your own programs (and may compile it into a program and distribute it in compiled format for languages that allow it) freely and with no charge. 2. You MAY NOT redistribute this code (for example to a web site) without written permission from the original author. Failure to do so is a violation of copyright laws. 3. You may link to this code from another website, but ONLY if it is not wrapped in a frame. 4. You will abide by any additional copyright restrictions which the author may have placed in the code or code's description. A library computer system is the software used to catalog, track circulation (where appropriate) and inventory a library's assets. It is intended for home, church, private enterprise or other small to medium sized collections. Larger libraries will typically use an integrated library system to manage the more complex activities such as acquisitions, interlibrary loan, and the licensing of online resources. Software criteria Distributed software vs. web service Library computer systems tend to fall into two offerings: software to be purchased on a perpetual license or purchased as a subscription service. With distributed software the customer can choose to self install or have the system installed by the vendor on their own hardware and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the application and the data or can choose to be supported by the vendor with an annual maintenance contract. Some vendors charge for upgrades to the software, and some do not. Customers who subscribe to a web (hosted) service upload data to the vendor's remote server via the Internet and may pay a periodic fee to access their data. Data entry assistance based on ISBN Many applications can reduce a major portion of manual data entry by populating data fields based upon the entered ISBN using MARC standards technology via the Internet. Barcode scanning and printing With most software, users can eliminate some manual entry by using a barcode scanner. But some software is designed, or can be extended with an additional module, to integrate scanner functionality. While most software vendors provide some type of scanner integration, not all will print labels with barcodes.

The Automated Library System (ALS) The Dematic solution, referred to as the Automated Library System (ALS), is a cost effective and space saving alternative to common document shelving technologies. Addressing the need for space efficiency, secure and automated document and records handling, ALS is a turnkey design and software solution focused on reliability and maintainability. The solution, developed by a team of experienced industry professionals, is supported by comprehensive services including on-site maintenance, spare parts, modernizations, upgrades and expansions. Dematic has been installing systems utilizing this technology for the past forty years. ALS have been installed at institutions throughout North America.
A computerized library system for a university keeps track of all books and periodicals in the library and their check-out status. Checkout and return are automated through a bar code reader (an external device). The library system also interfaces with an external relational database which stores information about the library users (students, faculty, and staff), including whether they have any library items checked out. . Library users can access the catalog and recall books and periodicals. Library employees have the same access as well as additional capabilities (e.g., listing the status of an item). (Note: the library catalog is part of the library computer system.) Simplified Use Case Examples note that use case elaborations include exception/error handling Use Case for Employee Logon

1. Employee initiates use case by entering user name 2. System prompts for password 3. If password is valid, employee is logged on and now has access to employee commands Use Case for Check out book: 1. Employee initiates use case when the library user presents a book at the counter 2. Employee enters the user's ID number 3. The system verifies the ID by checking the Users' Database 4. If the ID# is valid and the user has no overdue books or periodicals, the employee continues: 5. The book's bar code is read with the bar code reader 6. The book's record in the catalog is updated with the user's ID and the due date. 7. The Users Database is updated with users check-out status. Use Case for Check book availability: 1. User/Employee initiates use case by selecting the check book availability option 2. System prompts for choice of search by title, author, or call number 3. User makes selection and enters title, author or call number 4. System performs search through the library catalog database

5. If a match is found, system displays item status (not checked out, checked out and due date, overdue)