Database Management softwares for Libraries

DATABASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARES FOR LIBRARIES

BY

SARAH OZUEM

INTRODUCTION

Database software is the phrase used to describe any software that is designed for creating databases and managing the information stored in them. Sometimes referred to as database management systems (DBMS), database software tools are primarily used for storing, modifying, extracting, and searching for information within a database. Database software is used for a number of reasons in any industry - from keeping your bookkeeping on task, compiling client lists to running your online Web site.

Because they have so many uses, there are dozens of database software programs available. The options have gone beyond Oracle or Microsoft Access to encompass FileMaker, Avanquest and Delicious Monster Software for options tailored to a variety of needs. Some of the more popular database software applications include desktop solutions like Microsoft Access and FileMaker Pro and server solutions like MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.

Database Management Softwares (DMS) has improved the outcomes of libraries services to meet up eith the current trends which has made library the centre for learning. In the course of this study we will be looking out the various types of DMS that is available for library use to make work easier. It ranges from a whole lot of free and subscription based databases.

Database Management Softwares available for libraries

BookCAT

This is a powerful book collector database program which will help you catalog a book collection of any size. BookCAT is used by book-lovers, schools, churches, clubs, and business libraries. Using BookCAT you can quickly catalog your books by downloading information from the Internet. BookCAT will help you track what you have in your library, where it is (including books out on loan) and the total value of your collection.

A comprehensive set a data fields enables you to keep track of a wide range of information. Other features include customized entry forms, a loan module, flexible searching, a report designer, more than 80 pre-defined report formats, a sample data base to get you started, pop-up menus for quick feature access and navigation, and comprehensive context-sensitive on-line documentation available at the touch of a button.

·         Enjoy a fully organized book collection.

·         Find books easily.

·         Always know exactly where your books are located.

·         No more will you end up buying duplicates.

·         Keep track of who borrowed what – never lose a book again.

·         Keep accurate insurance records.

Features and benefits

·      Store information about an (almost) unlimited number of books.

·      Save time: Download book data from the Internet. Register most   information, such as author and publisher, only once.

·      Adapt the program to your own needs: Change the data field names to suit your personal preferences. Hide data fields you don’t need. Specify your own categories. Split your collection into different catalogs and transfer information between them.

·         Use the Form Designer to redesign the field layout in all data entry windows.

·         Comprehensive set of data fields enabling you to catalog a wide range of information: author, title, publisher, ISBN number, publish date, number of pages, editor, original title, translator, binding, edition, type of book (fiction, non-fiction, etc.), category and sub-category, purchase date and price, current value, condition, status (own, want, for sale), personal rating, owner, location, keywords, awards and nominations, comments, synopsis, and reviews.

·         More than 30 custom data fields (in case we have missed something).

·         Add personal notes.

·         Store book covers, as well as pictures of authors.

·         Use BookCAT Explorer to view information about authors and books.

·         Find information quickly: Search in all fields with any combination of key words and operators (and, or, etc.). Save your most frequently used searches. Use filters to display only selected data (for example, books that are for sale).

·         Use the search and replace function to search for a specific word or number and replace it with another.

·         Sort data by any field with up to five sort levels.

·         Create your own reports with exactly the layout you want, or use one of the more than 80 pre-defined reports. You have full control of data fields, groups, sort order, columns, fonts, colors, paper size, margins and print orientation.

·         Preview reports on screen before printing. Save reports in virtually any file format: PDF, Excel, HTML, JPEG, Rich Text Format, plain text or Word.

·         Archive reports- store report output so that it can be previewed and printed later, without re-accessing the data from which the report was generated. While archiving is very useful for maintaining historical records, it can also be used as a method of report distribution.

·         Keep track of books on loan. Check the program periodically to see what is still out on loan. You will always know who has what and since when.

·         Export data to HTML and publish your collection on the Internet.

·         Analyze your collection in a variety of ways with the statistics module.

·         Export data to Excel, XML and text files to bring the information into other applications.

·         Backup your valuable data with the backup/restore module.

·         Microsoft Access database format. Offers you an alternative way to view and search your database.

 WATCH-OUT FOR MY NEXT EDITION FOR MORE DMS

Digital Referencing: New methods for the Reference Librarian

DIGITAL REFERENCING: NEW METHODS FOR THE REFERENCE LIBRARIAN

BY

SARAH ERHABOR OZUEM

 

Introduction

Reference is a critical service in the library atmosphere that has been changed by technology in the 21st century,technology has greatly change the pattern of services that is been rendered in our libraries today. This article is designed to create awareness for digital referencing and the various methods available in the digital environment.

 

Introduction

 

Digital reference as define by Zanin-yost (2004) is a way of helping library patrons "not only on the desk, but in cyberspace" it is the use of digital techonologies and resources to provide direct, professional assisstance to people who are seeking information, wherever and whenever they need it

(Janes, 2003). In this era of technologies, patron of libraries sits in the comfort of their homes to search and borrow materials and even meet with the reference librarian without physically going to the library as witnessed in the past century. Pomerantz, (2003) in his work define digital reference as " Human-intermediated assisstance provided to users via electronic media in fulfillment of user's information needs".

 

According to Rosch, (2003) there are different type of digital reference which can help get reference quickly and remotely without visiting the library physical walls. In his words " The library can use this service to attract new users". they include the following:

• Chat reference
• Email reference service
• video conferencing
• Web contact center
• Web forms
• VOIP

CHAT REFERENCING

Chat Referencing is also known as a real-time reference, live online snychronous online reference, virture reference. As define by Zanin-yost (2004) is "a two-way converstion in real time, very much like talking to a reference librarian in person. chat users can receive immediate feedback, thus they can use written language in the same manner used in a person-to-person conservation". Chat referencing is made available for free while using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or Instant Messaging (IM). other services such as LSSI's Virtual referencing Tookkit and Metropolitan Cooperative Library System's 24/7 Reference are made avaiable for a fee.

This method of easy communication between the Reference Librarian and the Library patron's has made library reference services more accomodative as users won't wait for long a period to get feedback from librarians, remote access and co-browsing are all advantages that can be derived. Despite this benefits, chat referenccing is disadvatangeous in the following:

• Lack of verbal or visual cues (Jane, 2002): person-to-person communication usually attracts clearly understanding as some people express their feelings through demonstrations and illustrations.
• Impatience from users during transaction (Stormont, 2001): Some Library are impatience when making enquiries, they need urgent answers when what source for will require more time to get desire results.
• Users who leave the session without notice (Francoer, 2001): This may be as a result of internet accessibility from the user's end.