Computerized Library System Essay

Introduction A library is a place in which literary and artistic materials such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes, are kept for reading, reference or lending. A collection of such materials, especially when systematically arranged; a room of private home for such collection. At first glance, your library is a bunch of books with a librarian to check them out to you, and back in when you return them. Your librarian insures (of tries to, as money permits) your library is well stocked with current titles. These current titles include, in addition to  books, videos, tapes and CDs, magazines, encyclopedia, genealogical research stuff and more. The librarian also has to keep the building neat and in good repair and also these things only shows a few of the things which make up your library. Early modern libraries – Johannes Gutenberg’s movable type innovation in the 15th century revolutionized bookmaking. From the 15th century in central and northern Italy, the assiduously assembled libraries of humanists and their enlightened patrons provided a nucleus around which an â€Å"academy† of scholars congregated in each Italian city of consequence. Cosimo de Medici in Florence established his own collection, which formed the basis of the Laurentian Library. [20] In Rome, the papal collections were brought together by Pope Nicholas V, in separate Greek and Latin libraries, and housed by Pope Sixtus IV, who consigned the Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana to the care of his librarian, the humanist Bartolomeo Platina in February 1475. [21] In the 16th century Sixtus V bisected Bramante’s Cortile del Belvedere with a cross-wing to house the Apostolic Library in suitable magnificence. Background of the Study Objectives of the Study: The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge about the library system. We developed a new library system for easier transactions of the library and a hassle-free job. General Objective – This study aims to design and develop library system for faster processing and hassle-free for borrowing of books of the students. Specific Objectives – In order to meet the requirements of the general objective, the following specific objectives were formulated: 1. To define possible problems in a library. 2. To analyze how the traditional library system works. 3. To prove that the proposed system is technically and operationally feasible for implementation. Statement of the Problems 1. When most users do not return books at the exact deadline. 2. When most people make noise in the library. 3. Not following a rule that one shouldn’t bring food or drinks. 4. When some of the books cannot be easily found due to unorganized compilation of it. 5. Sometimes it’s hard for the librarian to use the traditional library system so we must prefer a new system for the library. Scope and Limitation Scope – The primary objective is to develop a computerized library system that can help others in listing and manipulating the transaction throughout the borrowing and returning process of the book. The proposed system will provide an innovation for the current traditional system that others use. Limitation – Although this research was carefully prepared, I am still aware of its limitations and shortcomings. First, because of the limit, this research was only conducted only a small size of population like the also students in the entire campus. Therefore, to generalize the results for larger groups, the study should have involved more participants at different levels. Second, the population of the experimental group is small, only thirty-five students and might not represent the majority of the students of the intermediate level. Third, since the questionnaire designed to measure the students’ attitude towards the use of communication strategies might give useful information about the impacts of communicative strategies; it seems not to provide enough evidence of the students’ actual behaving to communication skills in their speaking performance. Significance of the Study The study is aimed at enhancing the existing manual processing system that will make operations more organized, efficient and convenient to use. It is also used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed. A library system is usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Most library systems separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Definition of Terms Database – An organized body of related information Library – A library is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed; it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, or a private individual. In the more traditional sense, a library is a collection of books. It can mean the collection itself, the building or room that houses such a collection, or both. The term â€Å"library† has itself acquired a secondary meaning: â€Å"a collection of useful material for common use. † This sense is used in fields such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, electronics and biology. It can also be used by publishers in naming series of related books, e. g. The Library of Anglo-Catholic Theology. Libraries most often provide a place of silence for studying. Librarian – A librarian a professional library worker. In most cases, a librarian holds at least a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library school. He or she may have additional degrees. System – A system is a collection of elements or components that are organized for a common purpose. The word sometimes describes the organization or plan itself (and is similar in meaning to method, as in â€Å"I have my own little system†) and sometimes describes the parts in the system (as in â€Å"computer system†). Data Flow Diagram – A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the â€Å"flow† of data through an information system. DFDs can also be used for the visualization of data processing (structured design). Flowchart – A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting these with arrows. This diagrammatic representation can give a step-by-step solution to a given problem. Process operations are represented in these boxes, and arrows connecting them represent flow of control. Data flows are not typically represented in a flowchart, in contrast with data flow diagrams; rather, they are implied by the sequencing of operations. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields. Chapter II Review of Related Literature Local Studies The Silliman University Main Library System began its services with only two bookcases and one small room in Silliman Hall. From this humble beginning, the library collection grew steadily. Today, with its present magnificent edifice, some observers have been heard to remark that it could well be among the best in Southeast Asia. The library aims to equip itself with updated materials, facilities, and equipment in support of the University’s quest for excellence in all its academic programs. The Library now holds more than 100,000 volumes of books on various subjects. It subscribes to local and foreign serials and maintains special pamphlet collections, namely, Filipiniana, Southeast Asia, and United Nations. It also has a Sillimaniana collection which is housed in an air-conditioned room located at the southern portion of the first floor of the library building. Materials in the collection include the Weekly Sillimanian, Sillimanian Magazine, Portal, Faculty and Staff publications, and others. Various plaques and trophies awarded to the University, as well as, portraits of present and past presidents of Silliman University are also on display. In terms of facilities, the Library provides individual study carrels for its users. In addition, there are also faculty study rooms for the use of faculty/staff members who are undertaking research work for the University, or writing their theses or dissertations. These faculty rooms are available upon application at the University Librarian’s Office. For group discussions, there are two discussion rooms available at the second floor of the library building, on a first come, first served basis. Foreign Studies It’s Time for a National Digital-Library System By David H. Rothman William F. Buckley Jr. , once denounced the growing popularity of CD-ROM’s in student research. Shouldn’t young people learn from real books? Tom Peters, a veteran public-library advocate, is coordinator of LibraryCity. org, a new online ad hoc group that will seek to deal with these matters, especially whether the national digital library should be mainly for the intellectual elite or also serve the rest of society in many directly practical ways. Peters is a former director of the Center for Library Initiatives of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, a consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago. I am co-founder of LibraryCity, and like Peters, I hope that Darnton and others will agree with the idea of a genuine public library rich in content and services for the nonelite as well as the elite. Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society is sponsoring the March workshop to kick off its research and planning initiative for a â€Å"Digital Public Library of America. † With funds from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the project will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to define the scope, architecture, costs, and administration of such a library. LibraryCity’s intent is to augment the Harvard effort, rather than replace it, by offering a grass-roots perspective in depth. Chapter III Methodology and System Software Design Nowadays, in a highly technological society, human productivity is made more efficient through the development of electronic gadgets. Now, with the advent of such modernization in education, one way to globalize the process of research is to realize that technology is advancing at an incredibly fast pace. Computers are not confined to being used for entertainment but its role in education is also vast. In addition, it is a place in which we get information in any format and from many sources. The librarian has to keep the room neat so that it is conducive for learning. The librarian is also the person who is liable for monitoring all the books that are borrowed and returned by the borrowers. The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the computerized library system in order to support the continuous learning in various pedagogical settings. To achieve this primary goal, the study should consider the three objectives. First is to compare the existing library system from the traditional system and identify the pros and cons in both public and private learning institutions. Second is to compare and contrast the various schools or universities that successfully managed the computerized approach as new library system. Third is to identify the weaknesses and potential threats to make a recommendation on how to strengthen the computerized library system. Respondents of the Study We have asked 25 people randomly and mostly they are students and teachers. Since data for this study will be collected by mail or by giving them a questionnaire, the respondents have the convenience of answering the survey in their own home or wherever is comfortable with them. Data Gathering Technique The proponent gathered support documents and point of views of the target users and beneficiaries of the proposed system at the Customs office. The information gathered were compiled and processed for use in the development of the proposed system. The different ways of gathering information and ideas used in this study were: Interview – This technique, wherein the proponent discusses and poses question to the respondent, was used to gather data and information for the study. Refer to Appendix – B for the contents of the interviews conducted. Questionnaire – This data gathering instrument contains a series of formulated questions submitted to a number of people in order to obtain information on a particular subject matter. The proponent prepared printed paper questionnaires and distributed them to the respondents. Refer to Appendix – C for a copy of this Questionnaire. Observation – This instrument was used in analyzing the existing system. The proponent observed and noted the flow of work in the existing system. The researcher then used it to identify where problems are commonly encountered. The proponent would use the observations to suggest a better and effective system. Refer to Appendix – D for notes made during observation tours and meetings. Evaluation – This method was used to assess the capability level of the existing and the proposed system software using a set of criteria, namely: accessibility, accuracy, efficiency, and speed and user friendliness. Refer to Appendix – E for a copy of the Evaluation Form. Statistical Treatment of Data Information and data gathered in the course of the study were both qualitative and quantitative in form. For the quantitative data, the researcher applied statistical methods of analysis in order to the properly interpret and present data in a more understandable form. The following statistical methods were used to interpret the results: Percentage – This statistic refers to the relation between the part under consideration to the whole, expressed in hundredths. Ranking – This refers to arranging of scores of the data in numerical order. Frequency – This represents the number of respondents that obtained a particular score. Weighted mean Wm = f (x1 + x2 + †¦. xn) N Method Used in Developing the System This part shows the various phases of the software development which are presented as a step-by-step process for the proponent to understand better the development of the proposed system. It is in this stage where the important parts of the proposed system were put together. The proponent used the classical life cycle model which is also known as the waterfall model in developing the system. It views the software process as being made up of number of stages namely: the Planning phase, the Analysis phase, the Design phase, the Development phase and the Implementation phase. Refer to Figure 3. 0. Figure 2. 0 The Waterfall Model By: Ian Somerville Planning Phase – In this phase, a study is conducted with the aim of identifying problems in the existing system. It also determines the conditions for solving the problems, whether the proponent should spend more time and work, or gather additional information. The proponent needs an overview of the projected work to determine the, resources needed, the requirements of the system, a graphical outline of the project, and the timetable to adhere with and the projections to make. Analysis Phase – This phase is used to have a clear understanding of the existing system in order to identify problems encountered so that it may be corrected or modified. It also identifies the data and processes used in the existing system that would also be used in the proposed system but applied in an automated and organized manner. Design Phase – The proponent should design a program with a logical process flow that the target users could easily and clearly understand. Every object in the commands should be in the correct hierarchical position from main to specific functions and processes. The proponent should make a program that is designed to attract the users. Development Phase – In this phase, the proponent starts to develop the system using information from the previous phases. With the shortcomings of the existing system identified, the proponent incorporates the solutions that would make the proposed system better. The problems encountered in the existing system are now considered solved with the proposed system an enhanced version of the former. Implementation Phase – This is final phase wherein the proposed system is now installed, brought to operation and used. Prior to actual operation, the system is tested for bugs and a simulated run is conducted to verify if the proposed system indeed improves the operations of the existing system. Analytical Tools Analytical tools were used to highlight the various parts the proposed system. They served to give a graphical representation of the system to the system developer. The tools used in developing the software were: Data Flow Diagram (DFD), Visual table of contents (VTOC), Input process and Output (IPO) diagram, Program Flowchart. These were considered very important in developing the system. Program Flowchart – This is a logical chart containing symbols referring to computer operations that describe how the program works or performs. This tool was used to design and develop overall software architecture. See Appendix – (A) Context Diagram – The ‘context’ of any situation is the external environment in which it exists. In process terms, the context contains other processes that provide inputs and outputs to and from the process in question. See Appendix – (B) Visual Table of Contents (VTOC) – This shows the hierarchical structure of the system moving from general to specific. It is also the chart that allocates different entities within the main program. See Appendix – (C) HIPO (Hierarchy plus Input-Process-Output) – technique is a tool for planning and/or documenting a computer program. A HIPO model consists of a hierarchy chart that graphically represents the program’s control structure and a set of IPO (Input-Process-Output) charts that describe the inputs to, the outputs from, and the functions (or processes) performed by each module on the hierarchy chart. See Appendix – (E) Proposed System (Screen Layouts) – You can see the appearance of the entire skin layout of the system. See Appendix (F) Exploded Diagram – A more detailed than the context diagram. See Appendix – (G) Data Flow Diagram (DFD) – It represents all the entities to the system, the flow of the data from the beginning to the end, together with the processes undertaken. Refer to Appendix G for the Data Flow Diagram used in developing the system. See Appendix – (H) Gantt chart – is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. See Appendix – (I) Chapter IV. Recommendation This research study suggest that Conclusion APPENDICES Appendix A The Flowchart of the Proposed Library System F T NO YES Appendix B Context Diagram Appendix C Visual Table of Contents (VTOC) Appendix D Module: Login Title: Computerized Library System Reference: 1. 0 Author: Group 3 |INPUT |PROCESS |OUTPUT | |Mouse Click |If the choice is username then load and display|Username | | | | | |Login Form |If the choice is password then load and display|Password | Module: Information of the Student Title: Computerized Library System Reference: 2. 0 Author: Group 3. |INPUT |PROCESS |OUTPUT | |Mouse Click |If the choice is name of student then load and |Name of Student | | |display | | | | | | | |If the choice is course then load and display |Course | | | | | | |If the choice is section then load and display |Section | |Information of the Student | | | | |If the choice is year level then load and | | | |display |Year level | | | | | | |If the choice is add student then load and |Add Student | | |display | | Module: Details of the Book borrowed; date borrowed Title: Computerized Library System Reference: 3. 0 Author: Group 3. |INPUT |PROCESS |OUTPUT | |Mouse Click |If the choice is Name of the Book then load and|Name of the Book | | |display | | | | | | | |If the choice is Author of the Book then load |Author of the Book | | |and display | | |Details of the book Borrowed; Date | |Date Borrowed | |Borrowed/Returned |If the choice is Borrowed then load and | | | |display | | | | |Date that the book will be returned | | |If the choice is Date that the book will be | | | |returned then load and display | | Module: List of Borrowers Title: Computerized Library System Reference: 4. 0 Author: Group 3. |INPUT |PROCESS |OUTPUT | |Mouse Click | | | |List of Borrowers |If the choice is Table view of borrowers then |Table view of borrowers | | |load and display | | Appendix F SCREEN LAYOUTS OF THE SYSTEM The screen interface of the login form [pic] The screen interface of the error message [pic] The screen interface of the main form [pic] The screen interface of the adding students form [pic] The screen interface of the details of the book form [pic] The screen interface of the table view of the borrowers form [pic] Appendix G Data Flow Diagram Verify Filling up Info. Append Student Saving new student D1 Adding Student Table viewFilling up infos. Appendix H Exploded Diagram |Task Name |Nov. 7 |Nov. 14 |Nov. 28 |Dec. 5 |Dec. 12 | | |T | |2. Compile Question for Interview | | |3. Interview | | | |4. Problem Statement | | | |5. Initial Scheduling | | | |6. Gathering of Source Document | | | |7. Identifying Customer Needs | | | |8. Concept Design and Presentation | | | |9. Research Database Option | | | |10. Individual Idea Generation | | | |11. Select Top Concepts | | | |12. Understand Technologies To Be | | | |Used | | | |13. Design System | | | Appendix I Gantt Chart |Task Name |Nov. 7 |Nov. 14 |Nov. 28 |Dec. 5 |Dec. 12 | | |T | |15. Develop Alpha Version | | |16. Develop Beta Version | | | |17. Finalize System Version | | | |18. Final Revisions and | | | |Defense | | | |19. Defense of the System | | | |20. Revisions of | | | |Documentation | | | |20. Submission of Final | | | |Revision | | | Bibliography Credits: www. wikipedia. com www. ivythesis. typepad. com www. ideo. columbia. edu www. thesisblog. com www. thefreelibrary. com ———————– [pic] Planning Phase Analysis Phase. Design Phase Development Phase Implementation Phase 2. 1 Name of Student 2. 0 Information of the Student 1. 2 Password 1. 1 Username 1. 0 User Login Print Error msg Print FrmAdd FrmAdd Autho- rization r 4. 0 List of Borrowers 3. 0 Details of the book; date borrowed/returned 2. 0 Student Information 1. 0 Administrator Login Student 0. 0 Computerized Library System 0. 0 COMPUTERIZED LIBRARY SYSTEM Librarian Start Administrator Login Form Print FrmLogin Verification Error Message Saved A A Student Info. Print FrmMain Saved Details of the book; Date borrowed/returned. Print FrmBorrow Saved List of borrowers Print View End 2. 2 Course 2. 3 Section 2. 4 Year level 2. 5 Add Student 4. 0 Details of the book; Date borrowed/returned 4. 1 Name of the Book borrowed 4. 2 Author of the Book 4. 3 Date Borrowed 4. 4 Date to be returned 5. 0 List of Borrowers 5. 1 Table view of the Borrowers 3. 0 Add Student 3. 1 Name of Student 3. 2 Course 3. 3 Section 3. 4 Year level User Login Form 1. 1 User Login 2. 1 Information of the student 3. 1 Add Student 5. 1 Producing a table of view of the students 4. 1 Details of the book | date borrowed / returned.