Library automation acquisition refers to the use of technology to automate various aspects of the library acquisition process. This process includes the selection, ordering, receiving, and payment of library materials such as books, journals, and other formats.
The use of library automation systems for acquisition allows libraries to streamline and automate many of the tasks involved in acquiring materials, such as searching for and ordering new materials, tracking the status of orders, and managing vendor information. This can save time and resources for library staff, while also helping to ensure that the library’s collection is up-to-date and relevant to the needs of patrons.
Library automation acquisition systems can also be integrated with other library systems, such as catalogs, circulation systems, and budget management systems, to provide a seamless workflow and improve the overall efficiency of the library.
Examples of library automation systems for acquisition include Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Electronic Resources Management Systems (ERMS), and Acquisitions and Collection Management Systems (ACMS). These systems can be used to automate tasks such as creating and submitting purchase orders, tracking the status of orders, and generating invoices and reports.
There are several tools that are commonly used in automated acquisition in libraries, including:
- Integrated Library Systems (ILS): These systems are used to automate many aspects of library operations, including acquisition. An ILS typically includes a catalog module, circulation module, and acquisitions module, which can be used to manage the ordering, receiving, and payment of library materials.
- Electronic Resources Management Systems (ERMS): These systems are used to manage electronic resources such as e-books, e-journals, and databases. They can be used to automate tasks such as searching for and ordering electronic resources, tracking the status of electronic subscriptions, and managing access to electronic resources.
- Acquisitions and Collection Management Systems (ACMS): These systems are designed specifically for the management of library acquisitions. They can be used to automate tasks such as creating and submitting purchase orders, tracking the status of orders, and generating invoices and reports.
- Vendor Management Systems: These systems allow libraries to manage the information of their vendors and suppliers, such as contact information, invoice details, order history and also provide a streamlined ordering process.
- Decision Support Tools: These tools help librarians make data-driven decisions about which materials to acquire. They can analyze circulation data, usage statistics and other data to identify gaps in the collection and suggest new materials to acquire.
These tools can be used in different combinations and configurations depending on the specific needs of the library, and can be integrated with other systems such as financial systems, catalogs, and circulation systems to improve the overall efficiency of the library.