Week nine: Databases and LMS

A state-wide library management service (LMS) can be an incredibly advantageous for both libraries and users. Libraries SA’s OneCard Network is a brilliant example where a centralised LMS can work better for the community.

From a library user perspective, a state-wide LMS like OneCard Network can be incredibly beneficial, as it allows library users to browse the catalogues of libraries across the state and gain access to over 4 million items (Libraries SA, 2019). It also gives them the ease of borrowing and returning catalogued items wherever is most convenient for them. This makes the library a much more easily accessible place from a user perspective.

Studies have shown that it can also be beneficial from an economic perspective. The creation of an LMS for twelve Welsh university libraries proved that joining together cut down costs thanks to sharing the load, as well as allowing for further discounts on purchases that could be bought and shared between universities. It was also estimated that hardware costs in relation to updating systems would also be much more cost-effective when shared between the libraries (Owen, 2016). Economically, it is clear to see how sharing the cost of a joint system can save libraries money in the long run. This would also be incredibly beneficial for smaller, likely more rural libraries with limited funds. By pooling funds and having access to the funds of larger libraries, this opens up the possibility of what users can gain access to in rural areas.

Library cataloguers can also benefit from centralised LMS’. Open Source LMS’ allow for the automation of a lot of tasks, including things like acquisition, classification, and other cataloguing tasks (Totar and Katageri, 2018). This allows for staff to do less repetitive tasks and focus on doing tasks that are more worthwhile of their time.

References

Libraries SA. (2019). About One Card. Libraries SA OneCard Network. Retrieved from: https://onecard.network/client/en_AU/sapubliclibraries/?rm=ABOUT+ONE+CARD0%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue

Owen, G. (2016). “Delivering a shared library management system for Wales”, Library Management, Vol. 37 No. 6/7, pp. 385-395. Retrieved from: https://doi-org.access.library.unisa.edu.au/10.1108/LM-04-2016-0032

Totar, S. V., & Katageri, B. (2018). Value added services in library management system: Marching towards an era of open source software. International Research : Journal of Library and Information Science, 8(3) Retrieved from: https://access.library.unisa.edu.au/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.access.library.unisa.edu.au/docview/2277566359?accountid=14649