What is the Library Catalogue system

Library Catalogue System refers to the systematic list of library items available in the library. It keeps a systematic cataloging by creating a database according to the title, author, and keywords of the books.

OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalogue) - it facilitates online search through bibliographic search depend upon subject, title, author, etc. It helps the user to search whether a book is available in the library or not.

It is further divided into four types:

• Card Catalogue
• Book Catalogue
• COM Catalogue
• Online Public Access Catalogue OPAC

Advantages of Card Catalogue

Card Catalogue - It contains library stored information in the form of small cards attached to books like title, author, publisher, etc.

• Flexibility – It is easy to remove or change the cards whenever the requirement is in demand.
• Ease of use – An alphabetical approach is used in card catalogs which become easier for a librarian to search.
• Availability – With card catalog one can fetch similar topic books easily.
• Costs – It is very cost-effective.

Advantages of Book Catalogue

Book Catalogue – In this Catalogue a printed form is pasted on the books with entries in alphabetical order of bibliographic record of the book.

• Ease of use – The printed form can be easily scanned and detail of book can be fetched.
• Size – It is compact in size so easy to carry.
• Costs – It is cost-effective if the library is big.

Advantages of COM Catalogue

COM Catalogue – Computer output Microform Catalogues are a record of information in alphabetical order which is transferred into images and these images will further be transferred into microform.

• Ease of use – My records can be scanned easily in the COM Catalogue.
• Size – It has a large space so many records can be saved.
• Costs – Multiple copies are less expensive.

An integrated library system contains a database and modules related to one another. It helps the user know whether the book is available on the shelf or not, when it will be returned, etc. This module takes the use of bibliographic searches. New records are added and some of the olds are deleted it keeps a record of each and every item. It interacts with the acquisition module to remain updated.

• Acquisition
• Cataloguing
• Circulating
• Serials
• Reference

The benefits of integrated library system:

• Simple and easy to use - The system is simple and easy to use. All the options are provided in the software for smooth functioning.
• Highly secure – The system is highly secure and reliable to use in schools, colleges, universities etc.
• Cost-effective – It requires less cost to integrate a library system in big libraries.
• Innovative – The system is based on new technology.
• Provide reports – One can generate reports anytime.
• Cloud data management - The software is based on cloud management as it is secure.
• Increased library engagement - The use of the latest technology and up-gradation increase library engagement.