Selection of Library Management Software
Selection of library management software is not a simple task. Sometimes librarians go with
either renowned software or maximum number of usage of the library. Selection of LMS may require the
following points/steps, which might help the librarians to select the right software for their
housekeeping operations as well as information retrieval. There are many LMS, which are very popular
and being used by number of libraries. Librarians may have to do the comprehensive study about them
before taking decision in this regard. While examining the software, librarian must have the following
information about the software which might help them to select the right software for housekeeping
operations as well as information retrieval:
How it matches the library's requirements
Product quality
Features and functions
Staff training and support service
Operating system
Hardware and software requirements
Functionality: What modules are available, value addition to existing functions
User interface: Navigation, error alerts, intuitive, customization
Design: Flexibility, switching from one module to another, multifunction modules, does it enhance the
productivity
Conforming to standards: MARC, Z39.50, ISO-2709, etc.
Scalability: Single user-multi user network. Can it be used in client server LAN architecture or fully
webbrowsing architecture
User-controlled customization
Reports that help to take decisions
Security levels migration of data or data transfer