Welcome to Library Automation TV. Tune in to keep up-to-date with new technology and strategies to bring patrons and resources together! Each episode will touch on the history of a library process, the problems and shortcomings of those processes, along with a video of how L4U has tackled these issues while leading the way to the future of Library Automation. L4U is Library Automation Made Easy!
Contact us today and keep up to date with all the forthcoming episodes
Episodes
Episode 1 - Cataloging with CheckMARC
Cataloging techniques have come a long way since the card catalogue. Proper cataloging techniques make it easier for patrons to find items in the library. In the late 1960's MARC records were introduced by the Library of Congress allowing libraries to convert the traditional shelf list card catalogue to a digital format that would become the standard in the library automation industry. MARC records are designed for computer processing and as such this format is not user friendly.
MARC cataloging requires extensive training and education to comprehend and master. Library Automation systems allow you to purchase MARC records from book vendors and then import them into your library automation system either individually or as a group of items. Some library automation systems also allow you to manually enter data through a MARC editor or an easy entry field form.
Today with L4U Freedom, several cataloguers can easily and quickly catalogue and import MARC records by simply entering either an ISBN or Title into the easy entry field. L4U will display matches for your search as you type.
With L4U's integrated CheckMARC product that utilizes web services technology, it instantaneously connects to third party databases such as the Library of Congress and Amazon.com and returns a match for your search criteria. CheckMARC will automatically display the MARC record and bookcover then with just a click of a button the record is saved into your own datafile and the item is ready for your collection.
Episode 2 - Manual Cataloging
When library automation systems were first designed, cataloging materials was a cumbersome and time-consuming task for librarians which took away from their time working with students in the library. At the time, knowledge of MARC cataloging rules was necessary to successfully add the item details to the system to allow ease of use and successful searches for desired items.
When a school first automates its library, the need to enter the items into the system and the choice for the school is either have the librarian with her knowledge of MARC cataloging complete the task, which could take months, or use a retrospective conversion service.
Now with L4U Freedom, cataloging can take place from multiple computer stations at the same time, all updating the same datafile, and the knowledge of MARC cataloging rules is not required. With a little guidance from the librarian multiple people can enter item details for use in the library.
L4U Freedoms Aquisitions data entry form is designed for an efficient and time-saving process. Each field on the form is clearly marked showing what data should be entered in the field and it has also been designed to minimize mouse clicks and maximize keyboard use thus increasing the ease and reducing the amount of time to enter a record. Start at any point and simply tab your way through the fields entering data as needed.
Episode 3 - Textbook Control
In the past, most schools used a paper system based on class lists or individual student cards as a means of tracking the issue and return of textbooks. Although this process may have been efficient when issuing textbooks, the processing of returns, tracking of un-returned textbooks and attempting to match random textbooks with random student cards was very labor intensive.
Library Automation systems simplified the issuing and returning of textbooks in an efficient manner by entering the necessary catalog information into the system and assigning barcodes to the textbooks. This eliminated the need to know in advance what student returned the textbook as the system tracks it from the circulation station.
L4U Freedom takes this solution a step further. This web based module allows an unlimited number of administrative web-based stations. This means an unlimited number of teachers can now circulate their own textbooks right from the classroom! Alternatively, you can set up several web-based volunteer circulation stations within the library itself to assist with textbook circulation. Stations can be set up anywhere there is an internet connection, efficiently removing the need to purchase multiple modules or programs to circulate from multiple locations. L4U also comes packed with features such as Copy Cataloging, Reporting, Usage Statistics and Automatic tracking, making L4U your one stop textbook control shop.
Episode 4 - Label Production
Printing Labels for materials in your collection has changed a lot in the last twenty years. Up until recently, librarians were still printing spine labels on their trusty typewriters. This is slow, tedious and prone to errors. Plus, there were many unhappy and frustrated librarians.
Creating Labels can now be done in a variety of ways. All methods take time and can be very fussy, generating results that are often less than desirable. The librarian is also limited as to the layout and may have to live with labels that do not fit their needs.
With L4U Freedom Labels all that is now behind us. Select from a list of commonly used barcode or spine label templates and click print. Simple, elegant and definitely not fussy. L4U Freedom Labels - work smarter, not harder.
Episode 5 - Client Management
Managing your client base is one of the most important parts of library automation; with constantly changing classes and student transfers, managing clients has always been a daunting task. Whether you're trying to ensure that your current class list is correct or trying to add a new client to an existing class, this process often involves working with multiple areas of an application to ensure your information was correct.
Library Automation systems allowed you to manage your clients from within one application. You could add, modify and delete clients from this application. However this usually meant that the librarian would have to modify the records at the request of the teaching or administrative staff, sometimes leading to incomplete information and broken client records.
Now with L4U Freedom, we offer full client management on the web! This feature set allows you to add, modify and delete clients with a few simple steps online, providing the ability to manage your clients from anywhere, anytime! Teachers can now enter or update their students information, check-out items, and reduce librarian workload from the comfort of their classroom; all while keeping library data up to date.
Episode 6 - Federated Searching
In the not so distant past performing research outside of the libraries local collection proved to be a very time consuming and tedious task. If the library had any subscription databases you would need to login into each database separately, conduct your search, retrieve the results, and manage all of the information available separately. This was a time consuming and difficult to manage task even for the trained research guru and often meant that the money put into these valuable resources was not providing the maximum return for that investment.
Today, with L4U's Federated Searching functionality patrons can enter a search term once and receive results simultaneously from multiple databases, such as EBSCO and Britannica, along with results from your own collection. The search results are then displayed in an easy to read format and sorted by source, making it simple for patrons to manage their search results. This singular search interface reduces the burden on the patron by not requiring knowledge of each individual search interface or even knowledge of the existence of the individual data sources being searched. In turn this means that the money you invest into these valuable resources is providing the benefits to your patrons as it was intended.
Episode 7 - Circulation
Circulating Items in and out of Library collections used to be done with small cards that were kept in pockets on the inside covers of Library books. In the early to mid 80's, many Libraries started to automate how they handled circulation using computers to assist and track the "in and out" process and thus be able to tell almost instantly who is taking out, returning in or who has an Item out. Originally this was done by typing in information to search for clients and Items but quickly evolved to using Barcodes on books and Client Cards and Barcode Readers or Scanners.
Circulation in any Library is the heart and soul of the Library concept and advanced Library Automation systems have enabled Librarians to become much more efficient in this key task. Modern Library automation systems allow for instant circulation of items in and out, monitoring of who has specific items, what the current status of items is and much more.
With L4U Freedom, the Automated Circulation process has become even easier to use. Freedom Circulation functions via any standard web browser on virtually any type of computer. This means that circulation no longer has to be tied down to the Library Circulation desk. It can be taken to the classroom, the study hall, reading annex or virtually anywhere a computer is hooked up to the internet. All the while maintaining the exact information and details of each circulation that is so important in the modern Library's Administrative environment.
