SOUL(Software for University

Libraries)

Md. Tarique AnwerWEB LIBRARINKSU, RIYADH

Ex TSE INFLIBNETDelhi Center.

Email: tarikamu11@gmail.com

Why to apply IT in Libraries

• To improve existing services • To provide new services • To collect better data to aid overall

management of the library• To cope with increasing demands• To increase the ability of professional

staff• Needed for NAAC accreditation• More funding from UGC

Background

No uniformity in the use of software by Libraries for its functions

For national level cooperation, the uniform standards are essential to be practiced by all the libraries to exchange the data.

Library needs proper software to run the library automation functions

High cost of the commercial software necessitated the development of SOUL for libraries

Financial

• There is no profiteering motive in its promotion.• Very economical to purchase, although it is

highly efficient to carry out almost all the functions in the library management.

• No extra cost will be charged for revised version. SOUL is revised on on-going basis in response to the feedback from users and development in technology.

• No additional cost for customization.• Being low-cost, its recurring & maintenance cost

will comparatively be less.

Services

• Intensive training to the librarian, library staff as well as to the computer personnel in parent organization.

• Efficient after-sales services: a team of a highly qualified library professional and a computer expert available, at call, if at all any problem arises.

• Guidance of experienced librarian who is coordinating the after-sales services, on any related problem.

• Online SOUL Support Discussion Group for discussion among SOUL users.

Hardware & Software Required (Minimum)

Server: Pentium @933 MHz with 128

MB RAM 40 GB HDD 32 x CDROM Drive 1.44" Floppy Drive Colour Monitor (SVGA) Ethernet card 10/100 Mbps Windows-NT/ 2000 MS-SQL Server 7.0 Advance server

Client : Pentium @933 MHz with

64 MB RAM 2 GB HDD with10 MB

space 1.44" Floppy Drive Colour Monitor (SVGA) Ethernet card 10/100

Mbps Windows-95/98/2000/

XP/NT Operating System

COST:

NETWORK VERSION

• Cost of SOUL-Software Rs. 50,000

• For multiple orders, network version costs only Rs 20,000 - Second copy onwards

COST:

College Version

• Cost of SOUL-Software Rs. 15,000

Main Features of SOUL

Windows based user friendly software Well designed screens, logically arranged

functions with extensive help messages. It is based on client server architecture

allowing scalability to the users Does not need extensive training Multi-user and unlimited user access Supports internationally known standards

CCF, AACR-2 etc.

Main Features of SOUL

Provides export / import facility in ISO-2709 OPAC is versatile and very user friendly Provides comprehensive list of reports, master

databases and authority files Provides facility to create, view records in

regional languages Available at affordable cost Fully tested at number of libraries and evaluated

by team experts and the practicing librarians

Modules:AcquisitionCataloguingCirculationSerials ControlOPACAdministration

Acquisition Suggestion Order

Processing Accessioning Payment Master

Databases Reports

Acquisition

All the functions relating to procurement of books and other library material and its financial aspects.

Procurement -Suggestions and approval processing. Purchase order processing & receiving the Material, Donations (gratis)

Master databases – Publishers, Booksellers, Suppliers, etc. Processing - Accessioning of books. Periodic reports – New additions, statistical reports, types of

material, Subject headings, classification numbers, KEYWORDS, etc.

Bar code generation for books is built-in. No separate software for bar-coding required.

Finance – Budget allocation & control for every department. Payment processing. Report generation (MIS).

        

Cataloguing

Cataloguing Process

Catalogue Search

User Services Authority File

Maintenance Retro. Con. Reports

Cataloguing

This module automates all the functions relating to the core library practices and creation of the bibliographic database.

Bibliographic database creation -Added entries are created automatically.

Importing already existing data, if created following ISO 2709. International standards - Conformity with CCF, MARC21 formats

AACR2 guidelines in-built. User Services - Current Awareness Service.

- Selective Dissemination of Information. - Bibliographical services suitable to local needs.

Language support - ISM software is supplied free of cost along

with SOUL software , ISM software enables managing data in regional languages.

Retrospective conversion Editing and Spell Check function are also available

CATALOGUE MODULE Covers all the activities carried out in

a cataloguing section Rendering of main entry is to be done

according to AACR2 Has six sub modules: -Cataloguing process Titles in process New records Edit records

Contd.

Catalogue Search

* OPAC : searched by Title, Author, Subject, Class Number, Publisher, Accession Number, Free Text Search, and Boolean Search

User services

Current Awareness service:Enables to provide information to a

member regarding books received during particular period of time

Particular subject orParticular author can be generated.

Bibliographic Services

Authority File Maintenance

Master Database reflected throughout SOUL and is used in various modules.

-Publisher, Binder and Supplier -Subject -Language -Author -Corporate Body -Meeting -Type of Material

Retrospective Conversion

Key activity for automation of library functioning.

-Data Entry : Details of the document for R C.

-Import/Export : Import data from ISO 2709 to SOUL Database

Export SOUL Data to ISO 2709

Reports

Covers various reports needed in catalogue section:

-By Class Number -By Subject Heading -Recent Titles -Catalogue Card (Range) -Catalogue Card (Single) -Spine Label (Class No.)

Contd

-Spine Label (Acc. No.)-By Collection type-By Language-Barcode-Work done by staff

Circulation

Membership Transaction ILL Overdue

Charges Reminders Status Search Reports Maintenance

Circulation

This module automates following functions related to managing user services.

Database creation & administration-User database creation by local user categories.

Identity card generation for readers. Bar code generation by user identity.

Rules - Create and embed rules as per the policies of the library. - Define user categories and types of library material.

…………………………………………………………………………Cont’d

Services - Issue and return of books for reference as well as home lending. - Renewal, reservations, recall of books. - Reminders to users. - Automatic fine calculation.

- Inter Library Loan facility.

Stock Verification - Checking the books on racks by bar code. - Handling lost, missing, replaced, damaged.

Statistical reporting -User and usage statistics – wide variety of reports can be generated.

Serials Control

Suggestions Subscription Payment Master DB Check-In Reminders Search Binding Title History Export / Import Reports

Serials Control

Acquisition process, including financial management.

Database creation for all types of serial publications, Import-Export of data.

Subscription management, check-in, reminders, binding, title history etc.

Circulation of periodical issues and volumes.

Statistical reports. 

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Books / Theses Serials Member Status Other Resources Online Access to

INFLIBNET

OPAC

OPAC allows Searching of Books, Serials, and other library material databases.

Search databases - by database fields - Author, Title, Subject, Keywords, Accession Number, Call Number, Publisher etc.- Free-text search, search by any word in the database.- Boolean operators, facility to optimize and refine search criteria.

  Results Display - According to AACR II format.

- User can prefer any other convenient format. - Search results can be sorted by preference of

search item. - Results reflect the current status of the book.

……………………………………………………………………………Cont’d

Library profile Library rules and regulations Staff contact information Library calendar Urgent Announcements Links to databases of other Libraries and Information

Centers Web OPAC OPAC can be accessed through GUI based web browsers

from remote locations

Administration Add Users Grant rights

for different modules

Provide access rights to users

Update rights

Data security–Back-up and restoration of data module     

Database Access security – Supervisor can authorize users rights at various levels. (MS-SQL)     Management:  Check on the staff – task tracking facility

Work done by staff – managing manpower and time

OTHER FACILITIES

We have now opportunity for LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Where there is a will, there is a way.

HAPPY AUTOMATION !

THANKS