The first age of library automation came after the development and implementation of punch card equipment to manage library circulation and acquisitions. This method was used up until the late 1950s.

Pre-computer Era of Library Automation (1936-1950s)

The early 1960s marked the emergence of off-line computerisation. For library automation, this meant the introduction of low-cost PCs and basic, inhouse developed software systems to help with library housekeeping operations. 

Stand-alone Era of Library Automation (1960s)

The emergence of online networks allowed for library networks to appear across the world. Commercially developed library automation software became widely used. With the car-coding of books and introduction of ISBDs, a standard was developed for data exchange format it became easier to grow bibliographic databases. 

On-line System Era of Library Automation(1970s)

The advent of microcomputers and the Local Area  Network (LAN) prompted the era of digitalization within library systems. Shared copy-cataloguing systems became the norm, especially due to the development of remote access to on-line databases. Commercial library automation software packages specifically focused on relational architecture, to create more integrated packages.  

Micro-computer Era of Library Automation (1980s)

The focus of library automation packages transformed to developing open library systems powered by open source software, open standard, and integrated open data to allow for world wide share of content and resources. 

Open Era of Library Automation (2000s)

The internet revolution led to the development of  web-enabled library systems that can be accessed and supported from anywhere at anytime. Instead of being client based, library automation software upgraded to being  built on web architecture. This led to large scale resource sharing, and a period where public access to information was like never before. 

Web Era of Library Automation(1990s)

- Pre-computer era (1936-1950s)
- Stand-alone era (1960s)
- On-line system (1970s)
- Micro-computer era (1980s)
- Web era (1990s)
- Open era (2000s)

Georgetown University

Design and implementation of more sophisticated computer systems to complete activities that were formerly performed by hand in libraries. The automation process has grown to encompass the fundamental activities of acquisitions, cataloging and authority control, serials control, circulation and inventory, and interlibrary loans.

Library Automation

Singh, J. (2018). Library automation and software packages for libraries: A study of the Library automation Software Libsys7. Journal of Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, 15(5), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.29070/15/57549 

Library Automation Software and Systems Reference Node

- Initial investment for installing the automation program can be very expensive.
- Intensive training is required for library staff on automation technology,
- Systematic coordination with other departments of the organization is necessary for the automation program to be successful.
- Retrospective conversion of data can be expensive and time-consuming.
- The software package for automation needs to be regularly updated. 





Challenges to Library Automation

Evolution of Library Automation

- More efficient record keeping in automated environments
- Improving the efficiency of the issue, return, and renewal process
- Lower costs and reduced repetition of housekeeping operations
- Maintaining bibliographic records of all material in one computerized           environment 
- Providing a wider access of information


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