Library Management Software: 10 Ways Higher Education Benefits

In the digital era, educational institutions are focused on implementing library automation across cloud, web, and mobile platforms to meet the expectations of tech-savvy students and staff.

Next Generation Libraries are limited in scope and unable to deliver new catalogs. Creating next-generation catalogs with new user interfaces will synchronize more with the needs of current users.

The emergence of the latest online library catalog, OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) provides an advanced search of the library catalog, which allows users to locate books and other library materials. The newest generation college library management system is aimed to provide better user interaction and search-friendliness.

College and university libraries can benefit from using next-generation Library Management Software in the following 10 ways:

1. User Management

Students and staff can create their accounts in the library and access the library database to search and view books and eBooks, place holds, and renew items from websites or mobile devices.
    
2. Federated Search

Federated searches and retrieves information resources simultaneously instead of making a separate search. Federated search enables the backend communication through search protocols and the presentation of result sets in front.

3. Relevance Ranking

In information retrieval, search results are ranked based on dependent information. This will be useful for future searches.

4. Faceted Navigation

Faceted browsing is used to apply filters and narrow down search results based on facets. Facets are derived from bibliographic information in the library catalog. Faceted navigation using filters or colors will enhance the visual appeal and browsing experience.

5. RSS & Atom Feeds

Both RSS site feeds and Atom feeds provide dynamic data with the latest information updates. This includes the latest list of acquisitions and search updates.

6. Content Enrichment

Library materials are powered by enriched content which includes cover art images (such as book jackets, and movie cases), Table of Contents, Summaries, Reviews, and more.

7. Reviews & Ratings

The new generation library catalogs allow users to give comments, Ratings, Review articles, and User or Group tagging, which may be of interest to users or groups.

8. Save Records & Searches  

You can save your preferred searches for future reference. It is extremely easy to search, select, and save records in the library database so that they can be used in the future.

9. SEO-friendly

Simple Search box to show relevant items – List the most important items first and diminish the relevancy. Optimize common spelling errors with the ‘Did you mean?’ algorithm to improve the search experience.

10. Download & Printing

The online catalog allows users to view and store records and digital photographs in the user’s account for future use. Patrons can search, download, and print them online.