e-Granthalaya is an integrated Library Management Software developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for automating and networking libraries across India. It aims to modernize and streamline library operations through centralized services and efficient online solutions. Below are the key features and details of e-Granthalaya:
Key Features of e-Granthalaya:
1. Cloud Ready Application (Version 4.0):
The latest version of e-Granthalaya (4.0) is cloud-ready, meaning it is designed to function on cloud platforms, enabling scalability, accessibility, and remote management of library resources.
The cloud infrastructure allows for better data storage, backup, and disaster recovery, ensuring high availability and seamless updates.
2. Web-based Data Entry Solution:
e-Granthalaya provides a web-based interface for library staff to enter data, making it easier to manage and update the library catalog from any location, using only an internet-connected device.
This web-based approach ensures easy access for multiple users from different locations.
3. Centralized Database for Cluster of Libraries:
The software is built to manage multiple libraries within a centralized database, allowing for better coordination, sharing of resources, and uniform management of information across different libraries within a network or cluster.
Libraries in the same region or network can share resources, catalog data, and other information, creating an integrated library network.
4. Government Hosting and Services:
Hosting charges and services are aligned with Government policies, making it cost-effective for government and public libraries to implement the system.
This ensures affordability and support for the smooth functioning of library services across India.
5. PostgreSQL Database:
e-Granthalaya uses PostgreSQL, an open-source Database Management System (DBMS). PostgreSQL is robust, reliable, and efficient for managing large-scale data, which is ideal for library systems handling vast amounts of bibliographic and user information.
The use of an open-source DBMS makes the software cost-effective and accessible.
6. Minimum Data Entry:
The software minimizes the effort required for data entry, offering easy-to-use modules for cataloging and managing library resources. This makes the process of data entry faster and more efficient.
Integrated modules reduce the duplication of data entry tasks, increasing productivity and accuracy.
7. User Accessibility:
Libraries only need working desktops with internet connectivity to access the application online, reducing the need for additional hardware or local software installations.
The software is easily accessible, allowing librarians and users to access services from any location with an internet connection.
8. Integrated Modules:
The e-Granthalaya software offers several key Data Entry Modules to facilitate the effective management of libraries. Each module is designed to streamline and automate various library functions, from administration to cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions. Here's an overview of each module and its key functionalities:
Data Entry Modules
1. Library Administration
Function: Manages the overall configuration and administration of the library system.
Key Features:
User management: Creation and management of library staff and user accounts.
Security settings: Access control and role-based permissions for library staff.
System configuration: Adjusts parameters for library operations, such as circulation policies, fine rates, etc.
Monitoring: Tracks the overall health and performance of the system.
2. Master Data Module
Function: Maintains essential reference data for library operations.
Key Features:
Manages categories for books, subjects, classification schemes, and vendors.
Stores information on library branches, locations, and personnel.
Provides consistent and standardized data for library activities, ensuring uniformity across modules.
3. Books Acquisition
Function: Manages the process of acquiring new books and materials for the library.
Key Features:
Purchase Order Creation: Facilitates the creation of purchase orders for books and materials.
Vendor Management: Tracks vendor details, terms, and pricing.
Budget Tracking: Monitors library budgets and expenses related to acquisitions.
Invoice Management: Handles invoices received from vendors for purchased books.
Accessioning: Registers newly acquired materials into the library’s catalog.
4. Cataloging Module
Function: Organizes and maintains the bibliographic records of all library materials.
Key Features:
Catalogs books and other resources by title, author, publisher, subject, etc.
Adheres to standards like MARC 21, AACR2, and RDA for bibliographic description.
Allows users to assign classification numbers (e.g., Dewey Decimal Classification).
Supports authority control to ensure consistency in bibliographic records.
Imports records from external sources like online databases and vendors.
5. Circulation Module
Function: Manages the lending and returning of library materials.
Key Features:
Handles check-out and check-in processes for books and other items.
Tracks due dates, overdue materials, and renewal requests.
Manages user profiles and tracks borrowing history.
Calculates and records overdue fines.
Allows users to place holds or reservations on items.
Supports self-checkout systems for ease of use.
6. Serials Control
Function: Manages serials and periodicals such as journals, magazines, and newspapers.
Key Features:
Subscription Management: Tracks serial subscriptions and renewals.
Issue Management: Keeps records of issues received for each serial.
Claiming: Manages claims for missing or delayed issues from publishers.
Invoice Management: Tracks invoices related to serials subscriptions.
Back Issue Management: Manages older issues of serials for archival and easy access.
7. Micro-Documents Manager
Function: Manages microform documents such as microfilm or microfiche collections.
Key Features:
Catalogs microform items and makes them searchable within the catalog.
Tracks the condition and preservation status of microform materials.
Provides access controls and borrowing procedures for these materials.
Integrates with the general cataloging and circulation modules for comprehensive management.
8. Budgets Module
Function: Manages the financial aspects of library operations.
Key Features:
Tracks library expenditure, including acquisitions, subscriptions, and operational costs.
Monitors budgets allocated for various library functions and activities.
Generates financial reports to track spending against budget allocations.
Provides alerts when budgets are approaching limits or overspending occurs.
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Web OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) Module
1. Browser-based Interface
The Web OPAC provides a browser-based interface for easy access to the library catalog, allowing users to search for materials and interact with the system from any internet-enabled device.
2. Search Library Catalog
Users can perform a simple or advanced search of the library’s catalog using the web interface, providing a convenient way to explore library resources online.
3. Basic / Advanced Search
Basic Search: Allows users to search by basic criteria, such as title, author, or subject.
Advanced Search: Provides more refined search options, allowing users to filter results by date, material type, language, and other attributes.
4. Use of Boolean Operators
Web OPAC supports the use of Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), enabling users to perform more sophisticated searches and find resources based on multiple criteria.
5. Federated Search
The Federated Search functionality allows users to search across multiple databases or catalogs at once, bringing together search results from external resources and databases integrated with the library system.
6. Results Integration with Net APIs
Integrated Net APIs: Search results from the OPAC are integrated with online databases and external resources, displaying additional document details pulled from the internet (such as availability, online access links, etc.).
7. Recent Additions in Library
The OPAC provides a section to highlight recent additions to the library's collection, helping users stay up-to-date with newly acquired materials.
8. Member Services behind Login
Users can log into the OPAC to access personalized services, including:
Viewing borrowing history
Renewing items
Placing holds or reservations
Checking fines or dues
Managing their library account.
9. Access Digital Library Online
Provides users with access to the digital library and e-resources online, allowing them to read, download, or borrow e-books, journals, and other digital content available in the library's digital collection.
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Summary of Modules and Features
Data Entry Modules: These modules focus on automating and managing core library functions such as acquisition, cataloging, circulation, serials control, and financial management.
Web OPAC: The Web OPAC module allows for easy searching and browsing of the library catalog online, offering both basic and advanced search options, Boolean search capabilities, federated search, and access to digital resources.
With these features, e-Granthalaya ensures smooth and efficient library operations, providing both staff and library users with the tools needed to access, manage, and borrow resources effectively.
Benefits of e-Granthalaya:
Improved Efficiency: The automation of library tasks helps improve workflow and reduces manual effort, making library management more efficient.
Accessibility: The software’s cloud-based and web-based architecture enables librarians and users to access resources and services from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cost-Effective: With hosting charges aligned with government policies and the use of open-source technologies like PostgreSQL, e-Granthalaya is cost-effective, especially for government libraries.
Scalability: As a cloud-ready application, the software can scale to accommodate growing libraries and increasing volumes of data.
User-Friendly: With minimal data entry and an intuitive interface, it simplifies the process for library staff to manage resources effectively.
In summary, e-Granthalaya is a powerful, scalable, and user-friendly library management solution designed to meet the automation and networking needs of libraries across India. It ensures streamlined library operations, integrated services, and a centralized database, all while keeping the system cost-effective and accessible for libraries.
For more information visit
e-Granthalaya website.
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