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LIBRARY USERS’ UTILIZATION MONITORING SYSTEM

A Capstone Project Presented to

The Faculty of the College of Computing and Information Sciences

Saint Michael College of Caraga

Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

By

JEZZA MICA G. CANO

PRINCESS THERESE C. SINGCOL

GABRIEL CRISTIAN P. SUMAOY

May 2023
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Table of Contents ii

List of Figures iii

List of Tables Iv

CHAPTER PAGE

I. INTRODUCTION

Project Context

Project Objectives

Scope and Limitation

Definition of Terms

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

III. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN SPECIFICATION

System Architecture

Conceptual Diagram

Use Case Diagram

Activity Diagram
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Sequence Diagram

Database Design

User Interface Design

Software Platforms, Development Environments and

Tools

Hardware Requirements
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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

1 Figure 1
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LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

1 Table 1
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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Project Context

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is commonly known as the academic

institution’s brain. It serves as a place to study or a repository of collected knowledge

stored in books and functions as a companion, partner, and assistant in teaching and

research [1]. The library is where teachers, students, and other personnel can explore

various fields of their choice. The library continues to accommodate users; however, it

has slowly become a continuous strain on the library personnel, particularly in

monitoring the different users with various purposes. Currently, utilization monitoring is

manually conducted by the personnel in the library, using pen and paper. Performing

this task repeatedly appears to be tedious and time-consuming.

According to B. Napit, the use of manual library utilization monitoring has several

disadvantages, as many people take turns using pen, paper, or the logbook itself.

Specifically, there are no automatic statistical reports; the staff needs to manually count

how many users visit the library on a specific day, month, or even year. Redundancy,

discrepancies, and errors are inevitable [2].

In today's educational landscape, technology is crucial for completing tasks

quickly and obtaining results as efficiently as possible, as mentioned by [4]. Additionally,

A. Ali et al. highlight that applying information and management systems in

companies/institutions offers numerous benefits. These include increasing the

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effectiveness and efficiency of data collection accurately and in real-time, improving a

coordinated and systematic work system, and enhancing productivity and cost savings

[4].

Over the years, manual utilization monitoring has been carried out across most

educational institutions, specifically at Saint Michael College of Caraga Learning

Resource Center. A monitoring system was developed and deployed by an OJT student

for monitoring users' utilization in the library. However, there is an significant drawback,

users needed to input their information using the computer's keyboard to enter the

library premises. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this system cannot be applied since

users must minimize physical activities by practicing physical distancing and minimizing

physical contact.

To address the user monitoring issues at SMCC LRC, an essential solution is to

create a software application utilizing QR codes. This application can swiftly provide

information about users' arrival and departure times from the library premises [5]. The

choice of a QR Code application is justified as it minimizes physical contact among users,

enables quick check-in and check-out, and offers great flexibility. Thus, it makes

processes more accessible and convenient for everyone [3].

The SMCC library needs to implement and optimize information management

systems to address existing problems, especially amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The

implementation of an information system can enhance employees' activities and

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performance by providing automatic or generated statistical reports based on gathered

data, ensuring the continued efficiency and reliability of existing processes.

Project Objectives

The researchers’ study aims to design, develop, and implement an automated

users’ monitoring system for the Saint Michael College of Caraga's Learning Resource

Center, named Library Users Utilization Monitoring System (LUUMS), powered by Quick

Response Technology.

Specifically, it aims to:

1. Minimize time consumption of logging in and out with the use of Quick Response

(QR) code scanner.

2. Provide auto-generated statistical reports (number of users per course (if

student) using bar graphs) by day, month, and year.

3. The system can print generated reports for presentation, convenience, and

documentation purposes.

Scope and Limitation

LUUMS aims to design and develop a utilization management system for the

SMCC library only – to replace the manual attendance method with a database-oriented

management system.

This capstone project will only include users with school-issued identification

cards because the QR code is only available on ID. LUUMS only has one admin account

(superuser), the Librarian, or the authorized/assigned staff. The end-users, namely the
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students, teachers, and school personnel, can only interact with the system by tapping

their school-issued IDs into the QR code scanner, which allows them to log in and log

out. Thus, the superuser can only access the full features of the system, such as viewing

and printing the generated statistical reports and adding or deleting users. In addition,

this system will only work in the school's Library local area network (LAN).

Definition of Terms

The terms defined below explain the basic concepts and factors discussed during

the conceptualization and development of LUMMS and contextual information on how

the researchers apply these concepts in their study.

Attack Vectors – A specific method, scenario, or path exploits break into the system,

compromising its security. It takes different forms, ranging from ransomware and

malware to man-in-the-middle attacks, compromised credentials, and phishing. This

kind of attack can leak the information stored in LUUMS, such as all library users' names,

and be used maliciously according to the attackers' benefit.

CSV – Short for Comma-Separated Values is a file format containing a plain text file and

a list of data. LUUMS use this because the file that collects users' information through

their IDs from the SMCC EDP is stored using a spreadsheet, making it easy to import into

the system.

Database Oriented Management System – it is used to store and manipulate databases.

And can be used to develop LUUMS because the data-keeping process is user-friendly

software designed to meet specific purposes in certain situations. End-users – the

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Librarian can easily access the database without worrying about the underlying

database schema.

End-user – refers to the person that will utilize and interact with the LUUMS, such as the

SMCC Librarian - the superuser, and the students, teachers, and school personnel as

ordinary users who can only interact with the system by tapping in their IDs to the QR

code scanner - to log in and log out.

HDD – means Hard Disk Drive is a non-volatile data storage device - refers to storage

devices that maintain stored data even when turned off. The system needs this in case

of a sudden crash, saving all the data collected until the device turns back on and the

user can retrieve where they left off.

LAN – Short for Local Area Network. A network links together computers and peripheral

equipment within a limited area. It provides a connection to a Local Area Network. It

enables a network of computers to share the executable file and the LUUMS's database

without an internet connection on the SMCC LRC premises.

QR Code – Quick Response Code is another type of barcode skimmed by a QR code

scanner and stores data as a series of pixels in a square-shaped grid. The LUUMS uses it

because it is much more accurate, fast, and reliable than the standard barcode. It is

located at the back of each SMCC Library user's school-issued ID card and be used to tap

into the QR code scanner for attendance keeping on the library premises.

QR Code Scanner – Quick Response Code Scanner is an optical scanning device that can

read QR codes and translate them into readable text or links. It is the device that LUUMS
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will use to scan the SMCC Library users' IDs and store their login credentials, such as

their ID number, name, time, and date of visiting the library premises.

SSD – Solid-State Drive is a new generation storage device used in computers, typically

for the operating system. It uses flash-based memory much faster than a traditional

mechanical hard disk. The system also uses SSD to speed up the computer/PC, making

the user experience as accurate and high performance as possible.

Statistical Report – is the produced structured report file from the LUUMS. It contains

the generated number of SMCC Library users on a specific day, month, or year that can

be viewed and printed.

Superuser – is a highly privileged account for the administration of the LUUMS – This

refers to the SMCC Librarian for having virtually unlimited privileges, or ownership, over

the system; the system allows: full write/read and executes system requests.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter shows the related literature of the researchers’ study to conform to

the existing problems encountered. It focuses on the need to implement the

researchers’ proposed software application, its benefits, and the issues it addresses. The

literature comes from electronic materials, e-books, websites, articles, and journals.

QR Code Based-Monitoring System in Library

According to J. Mantik et al. 1 QR codes provide a practical and reliable way for

librarians, staff, and students to access library and management information services

efficiently [3]. Additionally, the study of A. Ali et al. also concluded that the use of QR

code systems in the library is seen as a valuable tool in libraries, offering advantages

such as easy access to resources, reduced burden on librarians, and real-time tracking of

book availability [4]. QR codes are recognized as practical and reliable tools for

optimizing library services and management efficiency. They facilitate easy access to

information services, reduce the burden on librarians, and enable real-time tracking of

book availability, highlighting their valuable role in enhancing overall library operations.

In the context of User’s Utilization System using QR code, H. Rizal et al. said that

User’s Monitoring System using QR Code Technology reduces the burden of librarians by

simplifying attendance tracking processes and providing easy access to information [5].

However, I. Waqas emphasized that QR Code Technology on Attendance Monitoring has

a significant effect on the financial aspect of the institution as to the providing the need

of QR code embedded identification card and scanners [6]. The integration of QR Code
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Technology in User's Utilization Systems presents a dual impact. On one hand, it is seen

as a solution to reduce the burden on librarians through simplified attendance tracking

and improved information access. Conversely, its implementation is noted to have

significant financial implications for institutions, primarily due to the requirements of QR

code-embedded identification cards and scanners.

 The authors in the 1st paragraph convey the same idea

 The authors in the 2nd paragraph convey an opposite idea

 Highlighted texts in each paragraph are the synthesis, you have to create a

synthesis in every paragraph.

Other related literature goes here… Remember to group them according to THEME.

You can have 1 or more THEMES.

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REFERENCES

[1] J. G. Grospe, J. C. S. Manzano, and K. J. L. Peñaloza, “Barcode-Enabled Solution for

Monitoring Attendance and Reading Time (BeSMART),” Science City of Muñoz Nueva

Ecija, Philippines, 2018. Accessed: Mar. 03, 2022. [Online]. Available:

https://www.coursehero.com/file/95131640/BESMART-Capstone-Documentationpdf/.

[2] B. Napit, “Barcode Based Attendance System,” 2020.

https://www.inettutor.com/source-code/barcode-based-attendance-system-chapter-1-

documentation/ (accessed Mar. 03, 2022).

[3] J. Mantik, D. D. Saputra, and A. R. Tanaamah, “Optimizing the Use of QR Codes in Web-

Based Attendance Information Systems During the Covid-19 Pandemic (Case Study:

KONI Salatiga City),” 2021.

[4] A. Ali, M. Y. Koondhar, M. H. Depar, Z. A. Maher, M. M. Rind, and A. Shah, “Framework

for Location Based Attendance System by Using Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Technologies,” International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and

Engineering, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 2260–2266, Jun. 2021, doi:

10.30534/ijatcse/2021/1091032021.

[5] H. Rizal, M. N. Rahman, and A. Seyal, “Library Smart Attendance System Applying QR

Code,” in 12th International Conference on Latest Trends in Engineering and Technology

(ICLTET), May 2017, pp. 1–2. doi: 10.15242/iie.e0517002.

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[6] I. Waqas, “Risks of Using QR Codes | IEEE Computer Society in the Library,” 2021.

https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/qr-code-risks (accessed

Mar. 03, 2022).