CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 BACKGROUND REPORT

In a traditional sense, a Library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which
the collection is housed (Stephen, Maeve & Philips 2021). Today, the term can refer to any
collection, including digital sources, resources, and services. The collections can be of print,
audio, and visual materials in numerous formats, including maps, prints, and documents,
microform, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, video games, e-books, audio books and many
other electronic resources. The places where this material is stored can range from public
libraries, subscription libraries, private libraries, and can also be in digital form, stored on
computers or accessible over the internet. The term has acquired a secondary meaning: "a
collection of useful material for common use." This sense is used in fields such as computer
science, mathematics, statistics, electronics and biology. They add that, a library is organized for
use and maintained by a public body, an institution, a corporation, or a private individual. Public
and institutional collections and services may be intended for use by people who choose not to or
cannot afford to purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need material (Stephen,
Maeve & Philips 2021). In addition to providing materials, libraries also provide the services of
librarians who are experts at finding and organizing information and at interpreting information
needs. According to Robertson (2020), libraries often provide a place of silence for studying, and
they also often offer common areas to accommodate for group study and collaboration. Libraries
often provide public facilities to access to their electronic resources and the Internet. Modern
libraries are increasingly being redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in
many formats and from many sources. They are extending services beyond the physical walls of
a building, by providing material accessible by electronic means, and by providing the assistance
of librarians in navigating and analyzing tremendous amounts of information with a variety of
digital tools. Library is regarded as the brain of any institute, of course many institutes
understand the importance of the library to the growth of the institute and their esteem users
which we categorically call the students. Un integrated library system, also known as a library
management system is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items
owned, orders made, and users who have borrowed (Adamson et al., 2008). The Library Book
Lending Information System is Library Management web application for monitoring and
controlling the transactions in a library. The Library Book Lending Information System supports
the general requirement of the library such as the acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and other
sections. The old way like searching for a book using manual work is hassle, fast report
generation is not possible, information about issue/return of the books are not properly
maintained, no central database can be created as information is not available in database. But by
using the LBLIS, user can overcome all the problems mentioned above. This system can manage
all the happenings of the library. Book transactions including book searching, availability of the
book, details and appearance of the book, personal book borrowing history and etc. can be very
easily handled by this system. This system is suitable for small to big libraries

2.1.2 MANUAL LOG BOOK

Under this system, the library transactions such as registration of library members, recording of
new books, issuing out of books etc. is done using a manual log book which is usually under the
custody of the librarian. In a non-computerized Library management system, when a book is
issued or returned, it is noted down in a register after which data entry is done to update the
status of the books. This process takes some time and proper update of this information cannot
be guaranteed. Anomalies in the update process can cause loss of books. So, a more user friendly
interface which could update the database instantly has a great demand in libraries, hence the
need for this project.

2.1.3 DISADVANTAGES OF MANUAL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

According to Burke (2007), Manual Library Management systems, operating systems are
vulnerable to human error. For instance, a librarian who misfiles a borrower's records or indexes
a book incorrectly slows down the process and wastes students' time. Manual systems are also
slow to operate. Instead of using a computer to issue and take back books, locating and updating
a card index is slow and laborious. Manual systems are unable to store large amounts of data
efficiently. With manual systems Librarian spend a lot of their time on mechanical, clerical tasks
rather than liaising with library visitors. Wastage of time: searching for specific books is mostly
done by users and it can be really cumbersome for researchers to look for a desired book in a
long list of books on the book registration log. This can make the users exhausted and they may
prefer to not use the library anymore (based on interviews with users). Loss of books: Tracking
of borrowed books is difficult. For example, a member borrows a book for a specific period of
time and does not bring it back on time, so the book is somehow lost because there is no
automation process available, and someone else can ‘t uses it anymore. Usage limitation:
Information regarding books (i.e. headings, labels and announcements) is limited to only one
language either in Dari or Pashto; such a system is limited and can‘t be used by those who do not
know the language. Costly: Running and maintenance of such a system is very difficult and
costly and requires many staff and expenses.

2.1.4 LIBRARY BOOK LENDING INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Under this system, the details of the books are captured using a bar code scanner which are later
stored in a central database. Scanning of bar code for the books is done both at the time of
entering the book in the system and during the time when the book is being lent out. This system
is usually implemented by universities because of its complexity and it being intensive during
implementation.

2.1.5 PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES OF LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS IN

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
The roles and responsibilities of librarians in various institutions have been altered by the ever-
developing technology. Various international studies have been dedicated to the challenges faced
by librarians. Adomi (2006) in a research on computer literacy skills of professionals in Nigerian
University libraries indicated that most of the professionals do not poses high level of computer
skill and their use of computer and technology is still maturing. In the same study it was
recommended that computer training programs for librarians should be organized and enough
computers should be provided in this regard.

Johnson, (2007) viewed library and information science education in developing countries. He
concluded that LIS programs in developing countries continue to suffer from lack of financial
support by governments.
Rahman, Khatun and Islam, (2008) reviewed the library education in Bangladesh. The study
found that majority of institutions in Bangladesh do not have well-equipped computer labs or
sufficient numbers of computers for students. A sufficient number of classification and
cataloguing tools (DDC, LC) Sears list of subject headings for practical were not present.

In Nepal, Siwakoti, (2008) found that there was no government agency to control, monitor and
evaluate the school libraries activities. There was lack of awareness programs, budgetary
constraints, inadequate space, inadequate library materials, lack of trained and skilled manpower
and lack of appropriate government policy and lack of information literacy.
Ademodi and Adepoju, (2009) investigated the computer skill among librarians in academic
libraries on Ondo and Ekiti State in Nigeria. It was found the shortage of computers and
computer skills among professionals. The study recommended that more attention and funds
should be provided for training and procurement of ICT infrastructure in Nigerian University
libraries. For computerization purpose, library administration should solicit funds and assistant
from foreign agencies and foundations who are interested for the cause.

Dasgupta, (2009) searched out that in India there is non-existent of norms and standards forth
education of librarians. Problems for Indian librarians discovered in his study were emergence of
new Library Integrated System schools, insufficient faculty strength, and lack of accreditation
bodies, lack of proper library facilities, inadequate physical facilities, little attention for selection
criteria, and lack of apprenticeship programs. Study suggested that the Government of India
should play a leading role in promoting LIS education in India, by creating more job
opportunities for LIS professionals and removing disparity in pay scales among LIS
professionals.

In Iran Gavgani, Shokraneh and Shiramin, (2011) concluded that librarians do not have
traditional skills and sufficient background knowledge to meet the changing needs of their
customers. They need to be empowered by new skills and information before going to empower
their patrons.

2.2 RELATED WORKS

2.3 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the implementation of an online barcode reader system for school libraries
promises to revolutionize library management, enhance user experience, and support educational
objectives. By leveraging barcode technology, libraries can streamline operations, improve
efficiency, and provide better access to resources for students and librarians alike. Despite
challenges, the potential benefits of this innovative solution underscore its importance in
modernizing library services and fostering a conducive learning environment.