Administrative authorities of educational institutions must fully explore the drawbacks and disadvantages of library management system before upgrading to new software from the old and existing one, or while employing it for the first time. There are different types out there. Few utilize the latest automation and computerized technology and operate online while the rest are available as open source and operate on manual bases offline!
The table differentiates between the two popularly available library management systems i.e. Online and Open-source, and helps the educational intuitions realize the downside of using the outdated and existing manual software; at the same time elaborates the catch that comes while upgrading to the computerized and automation management system.
Based On: |
Online Library Management System |
Open Source Library Management System |
Internet Connectivity (Web based) |
Requires Internet to function |
Generally, requires no internet to function |
Cloud-based data storage |
Yes |
No |
Automatic |
Yes |
No. Requires manual actions to perform operations |
Track status of books: Generate QR bar code for books and library Items to track their status |
Yes |
No |
Alert SMS Facility: Notify defaults about the delay, overdue and returned books via SMS |
Yes |
No |
RFID & IR Book Scanning |
Yes |
No |
Customer Support |
Yes |
No |
Instant update on borrowed, returned and issued books |
Yes |
No |
Explore the availability of books online before borrowing |
Yes |
No |
Highly secure and reliable |
Yes |
No |
Customizable |
Yes |
No |
Automatic fine and penalty calculation |
Yes |
No |
Risk of manipulation |
No |
Yes |
Remote accessibility |
Yes. Can be accessed at any time and from anywhere |
No |
Different login platforms for administrators, students, and parents |
Yes |
No |