"An integrated library system (ILS), also known as a library management system (LMS), is an enterprise resource planning system for a library..."
A library management system (LMS) facilitates the operations of libraries. It typically handles tasks such as cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and reports.
Cataloging: Cataloging is the process of creating records for library materials like books, DVDs, and magazines.
Acquisitions: Acquisitions involve all aspects of purchasing and receiving library materials, from vendor selection to the creation of purchase orders and invoices.
Circulation: The circulation module of a library management system is responsible for handling library loans, returns, and renewals.
Interlibrary Loan: A service that enables users to borrow materials from other libraries in the country or around the world.
Serials Management: Serials management is the process of managing electronic and print subscriptions to journals, magazines, and newspapers.
Digital Asset Management: Digital Asset Management refers to the management of digital resources like e-books, audio, visual materials, and multimedia objects.
E-Resources Management: E-Resources management refers to managing electronic resources such as databases, online journals, and e-books.
RFID and Barcodes: RFID and Barcodes refer to the technology used in library management systems to track and manage library materials.
Library Budgeting: Library Budgeting involves financial planning and management to ensure funds are spent efficiently and effectively.
Collection Development: Collection Development involves selecting materials for the library collection, evaluating their usefulness, and determining their classification.
Information Literacy: Information Literacy is a process of evaluating, searching, and effectively using information resources.
Reference Management: Reference Management is the process of managing materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference sources.
Library Administration: Library Administration involves the overall management of the library, including staffing, policy development, and decision making.
Integrated Library System (ILS): An ILS is a complete library management system that includes cataloging, circulation, patron management, and other administrative functions.
Library Automation System (LAS): A LAS is a library system that automates various library processes, including acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and serials management.
Open Source Library System (OSLS): An OSLS is a type of library system where the source code is freely available to anyone who wants to use, modify or redistribute it. It is an alternative to traditional vendor-based systems.
Digital Library System (DLS): A DLS, also known as a digital asset management system, is a library system that manages digital collections, including audio, video, images, and other types of digital content.
Library Discovery System (LDS): An LDS is a library system that enables users to discover and access all library resources, including books, journals, digital collections, and other online resources.
Library Service Platform (LSP): An LSP is a type of library management system that focuses on providing services to patrons, such as discovery, access, and delivery of library resources.
Academic Library System (ALS): An ALS is a library system that is specifically designed for academic institutions and includes features such as course reserves, interlibrary loans, and support for research activities.
Public Library System (PLS): A PLS is a library system that is designed for public libraries and includes features such as patron registration, circulation, and collection management.
Subject-specific Library Services: These are specialized library systems designed to serve the needs of a particular subject area, such as law, medicine, or engineering.
Consortium Library System (CLS): A CLS is a library system that is used by a group of libraries that work together to share resources and provide services to their patrons.
"An ILS is usually made up of a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff)."
"Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface."
"Examples of modules might include: acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials), cataloging (classifying and indexing materials), circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back), serials (tracking magazine, journals, and newspaper holdings), online public access catalog or OPAC (public user interface)."
"An ILS is used to track items owned..."
"...orders made, bills paid..."
"...and patrons who have borrowed."
"Each patron and item has a unique ID in the database that allows the ILS to track its activity."
"Examples of modules might include: acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials)."
"Examples of modules might include: cataloging (classifying and indexing materials)."
"Examples of modules might include: circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back)."
"Examples of modules might include: serials (tracking magazine, journals, and newspaper holdings)."
"Examples of modules might include: online public access catalog or OPAC (public user interface)."
"...two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff)."
"...two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff)."
"The acquisitions module handles ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials."
"The cataloging module is responsible for classifying and indexing materials."
"The circulation module handles lending materials to patrons and receiving them back."
"The serials module is dedicated to tracking magazine, journals, and newspaper holdings."
"The OPAC serves as the public user interface of the Integrated Library System."