4.1 Use an ICT-based library management system proficiently

Table of Contents

1. Automated library management systems
   1. Borrower information
   2. Types of borrower
   3. Registering and removing borrowers
   4. Messages about borrowers
2. The circulation module
3. The acquisitions module
4. The cataloguing and stock management modules
5. Inter Library Loan module

Automated library management systems

You will have received on-site training allowing you to develop specific operational knowledge of your library management system. This might have been provided by the supplier, the systems manager or other library staff.

In some cases your job role may not allow you to get practice in all of the operations we describe in this Outcome. If this is the case, you must at least understand what is going on and see demonstrations of the operation. As an example, relatively few staff may actively add new items to the catalogue but it will help your understanding of the operation of the system as a whole if you can observe new items being added.

You should know where to find information or instructions on procedures relating to the use of the library management system. If necessary you can create some "crib guides".

You should have a good knowledge and understanding of the system and its workflows. As an exercise, taking a typical item, such as a work of fiction, draw up a flow chart which lists what happens at each stage from stock selection, through the ordering and acquisitions process, to the point when the item is made publicly available and is visible on the catalogue.

Let's take a look now at Borrower information ...