LS 310: AUTOMATION OF LIBRARY

TAKE HOME ASSIGNMENT

SEMESTER I: 2023/24

General instructions
 Strictly use essay format; outline format will not be marked
 This is an individual assignment NOT a group work
 Maximum number of pages 4 (Four) (Excluding cover page and references)
 Font Type- Times New Roman; Font size- 12
 Line spacing- 1.5
 Carries 10 points

 Duration 2 weeks Date given: Jan 11, 2024 Date due: Jan. 25, 2024

1. With reference to a library of your choice, critically discuss the relevance of feasibility
study, specification of requirements and selection stages in setting up Integrated Library
Management System (ILMS).

1. Feasibility Study:

Relevance: Before implementing any major system, it's crucial to conduct a feasibility study to
assess the practicality and viability of the project. In the context of an ILMS for a library, a
feasibility study would consider factors such as:

 Technical Feasibility: Examining whether the library's existing infrastructure can

support the ILMS. This includes an assessment of hardware, network capabilities, and
compatibility with existing systems.
 Financial Feasibility: Evaluating the cost of implementing the ILMS in comparison to
the benefits it will bring. This involves estimating initial costs, ongoing maintenance
expenses, and potential return on investment.
 Operational Feasibility: Analyzing how well the ILMS would integrate with existing
library operations. This involves assessing the impact on staff workflows, training
requirements, and potential disruptions during the implementation phase.
Example: Suppose the library currently uses a manual system for cataloging and managing
resources. A feasibility study might reveal that transitioning to an ILMS would significantly
improve efficiency and user experience, justifying the investment.

2. Specification of Requirements:

Relevance: Once the feasibility study establishes the viability of the ILMS, specifying the
requirements becomes crucial. This involves clearly defining the functionalities, features, and
performance expectations of the system.

 Functional Requirements: Describing the specific features the ILMS should have, such
as cataloging, circulation management, user authentication, reporting, etc.
 Non-functional Requirements: Specifying qualities the system must possess, like
scalability, reliability, security, and performance benchmarks.

Example: For our library, specific requirements might include the ability to manage both
physical and electronic resources, integrate with online databases, provide a user-friendly
interface for both staff and patrons, and ensure data security.

3. Selection Stages:

Relevance: Choosing the right ILMS involves a multi-stage process to ensure the selected
system aligns with the library's needs and objectives.

 Vendor Evaluation: Assessing different ILMS providers based on their track record,
customer reviews, scalability, and alignment with the library's requirements.
 Product Demos: Conducting demonstrations and trials to evaluate how well the ILMS
performs in real-world scenarios, and whether it meets the specified requirements.
 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating the total cost of ownership, including licensing fees,
maintenance costs, and potential hidden expenses, against the benefits the ILMS brings.

Example: During the selection stages, the library may receive demos from different ILMS
vendors, considering factors such as ease of use, integration capabilities, and ongoing support. A
detailed cost-benefit analysis might reveal the most cost-effective solution that meets the library's
needs.

In summary, the feasibility study, specification of requirements, and selection stages are crucial
steps in ensuring the successful implementation of an Integrated Library Management System.
These processes help align the ILMS with the library's goals, technology infrastructure, and
budget constraints, ultimately leading to an efficient and effective library management system.