NewGENLIB Library Software

 

NewGENLIB is a popular library management software that helps libraries automate and streamline various library operations. Here's a detailed explanation of the functions of the key NewGENLIB software modules:

1. Cataloguing Module

Function: The Cataloguing Module helps in creating and managing bibliographic records for all types of library resources.

Key Features:

Bibliographic Record Creation: Allows for the creation and maintenance of detailed bibliographic records, including author, title, publisher, publication year, and more.

Standards Compliance: Adheres to international cataloging standards such as MARC 21, AACR2, and RDA for consistent and structured cataloging.

Classification: Supports the assignment of classification numbers, such as Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC), to categorize materials.

Subject Headings: Facilitates the assignment of appropriate subject headings to make search and retrieval of materials easier.

Authority Control: Ensures the use of consistent names for authors, publishers, and other entities through authority control files.

Batch Processing: Allows importing and exporting large amounts of bibliographic data, making cataloging easier and faster.

2. Circulation Module

Function: The Circulation Module automates the process of lending and returning library materials, along with managing user accounts and tracking overdue items.

Key Features:

Check-out and Check-in: Manages the borrowing and returning of materials. Tracks due dates, overdue items, and renewal requests.

User Management: Maintains detailed records of users, including their borrowing history, fines, and membership details.

Renewals and Reservations: Allows users to renew materials if no reservations exist and lets users place holds on checked-out materials.

Fines and Fees: Automatically calculates overdue fines and tracks payments for overdue materials.

Loan Rules: Enables libraries to set up customized loan rules for different types of users and materials (e.g., students, faculty).

Inventory Control: Tracks the availability and status of materials in real time, managing checked-out, reserved, and available items.

3. Acquisitions Module

Function: The Acquisitions Module manages the acquisition process of new library materials, from ordering through to receipt and payment.

Key Features:

Purchase Order Management: Allows creation and tracking of purchase orders (POs) for library materials. Tracks vendor information, prices, and order status.

Vendor Management: Maintains vendor details, such as contact information and terms of purchase.

Budget Management: Tracks budget allocations for acquisitions and ensures purchases remain within budget.

Invoice Processing: Manages invoices from vendors, ensuring payments are made in accordance with the purchase order.

Receipt and Accessioning: Tracks the receipt of materials and assigns accession numbers to newly acquired resources for easy identification.

Supplier and Price Comparison: Enables libraries to compare prices from different vendors to ensure the best deals.

4. Serials Management Module

Function: The Serials Management Module is designed to handle subscription, receipt, and management of serial publications such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals.

Key Features:

Subscription Management: Manages serial subscriptions, renewals, and cancellations with publishers.

Issue Management: Tracks the receipt of individual issues of serials, such as volume and issue numbers, and updates records accordingly.

Claims: Allows the library to claim missing or delayed issues from publishers.

Invoice and Payment Tracking: Manages the payment process for serial subscriptions and ensures correct invoicing.

Back Issues: Keeps track of back issues, allowing users to access older serials.

Binding and Preservation: Facilitates physical preservation and binding of serials for long-term storage.

5. MIS Reports Module

Function: The MIS Reports Module generates various reports related to library operations, helping library administrators make informed decisions and track the library’s performance.

Key Features:

Transaction Reports: Generates reports related to circulation activities, such as materials borrowed, overdue items, and user activities.

Acquisitions Reports: Provides insights into purchase orders, spending patterns, and budget allocations.

Serials Reports: Tracks serial subscriptions, issues received, and payment details.

Inventory Reports: Provides information on the status of library resources, including available, checked-out, and reserved items.

Fines and Fees Reports: Tracks overdue fines and payments.

Customizable Reports: Users can customize reports based on various criteria such as date range, material type, and user categories.

User Reports: Generates detailed reports on user activity, borrowing history, and any fines associated with their account.

6. Web OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog)

Function: The Web OPAC is a web-based interface that allows library users to search for materials and manage their library accounts remotely.

Key Features:

Search Functionality: Offers powerful search capabilities for users to find library materials by title, author, subject, ISBN, and other criteria.

Availability Information: Provides real-time information on the availability of materials, including whether they are checked-out, available, or reserved.

User Account Management: Users can view their borrowing history, renew materials, place reservations, and pay fines.

Advanced Search: Offers advanced search options to refine results, including filtering by material type, publication date, and more.

Reservation and Hold: Users can reserve materials that are currently checked out and receive notifications once they are available.

User Interface: The interface is user-friendly, allowing easy navigation and interaction for library patrons.

7. Administration Module

Function: The Administration Module provides the necessary controls to manage system settings, user roles, and general library operations.

Key Features:

User Management: Allows the creation of user accounts for library staff, with the ability to assign roles and set permissions for different access levels.

System Configuration: Configures system settings such as circulation rules, loan periods, fine rates, and cataloging standards.

Security and Access Control: Provides robust security features like password protection, encryption, and user authentication to safeguard data.

Backup and Restore: Facilitates data backup and restoration to ensure data integrity and minimize loss in case of system failure.

Audit Trails: Keeps a log of all system activities, providing transparency and accountability for library operations.

Customization: Allows for the customization of system parameters, forms, and reports to meet the library's specific requirements.

8. Utilities Module

Function: The Utilities Module includes various tools to maintain, support, and customize the system.

Key Features:

Data Import/Export: Supports importing and exporting bibliographic data, user information, and other records for backup, migration, or integration with external systems.

Barcode/RFID Integration: Enables integration with barcode/RFID systems for easier check-in/check-out and inventory management.

System Maintenance: Provides tools for monitoring and maintaining system health, including performance tracking, updates, and error logging.

Reports and Templates: Allows the creation of custom templates and reports, making it easier to generate personalized outputs.

System Updates: Facilitates the updating of the software system, ensuring it is up-to-date with the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes.

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Summary of Functions:

Cataloguing: Manages bibliographic records, classification, authority control, and catalog standards compliance.

Circulation: Handles borrowing, returning, renewals, reservations, fines, and user management.

Acquisitions: Manages the procurement process, including purchase orders, vendor management, invoice processing, and budget tracking.

Serials Management: Tracks serial subscriptions, issues, claims, invoices, and preservation.

MIS Reports: Generates comprehensive reports on library operations, including circulation, acquisitions, and fines.

Web OPAC: Provides an online catalog for users to search, view, and manage their accounts remotely.

Administration: Manages user roles, system settings, security, and backup operations.

Utilities: Offers tools for system maintenance, data import/export, barcode integration, and customization.

Each module in NewGENLIB is designed to improve the overall efficiency of library operations, enhance user experience, and ensure smooth resource management.