DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTERIZED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF AKWA IBOM STATE LIBRARY)

ABSTRACT

We successfully developed a computerized system to maintain all the daily works that goes on within a library.Its Development included the establishment and maintenance ofback-end database and front-end application. In the development of the back-end database we established data consistency and integrity of the strong data security and good libraries. While in the development of the front-end application we designed and implementedan application that is fully functional, easy to use, and has a rich client interface.In our work we addressed limitations prevalent within a normal library management system by incorporating many features which eliminate human error and illegal alterations.We provided in the system facility for user login and a facility for admin login through which the admin can monitor the whole system. It has also a facility where student after logging in their accounts can see list of books issued and its issue date and return date and also the students can request the librarian to add new books by filling the book request form. The librarian after logging into his account i.e. admin account can generate various reports such as student report, issue report, teacher report and book report. Overall this systemwas developed to help the students as well as staff of library to maintain the library in the best way possible and also reduce the human efforts and errors. The Programming language used in developing this application software is Visual Basic.net 2012. It runs in Windows 98 to Latest windows 10.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
A library can be defined as a room or building where books are kept and referenced. It is an area of multifarious activity on book management. A library as a repository of knowledge houses collections of books, both reference and general, technical reports, periodicals, journals, conference proceedings and the likes. Consequently, truth and knowledge can be found and acquired from the library through the aforementioned sources. The information contents of any of the collections can be recorded on microfilms, audiotapes, microchips and other materials traditionally kept in the library, which is charged with the responsibility of acquiring, organizing, maintaining, and judicial circulation of the books and other library materials through the various sections of the library, for efficient use of the library by the users.

Library Management System is an application which refers to library systems which are generally small or medium in size. It is used by librarian to manage the library using a computerized system where he/she can record various transactions like issue of books, return of books, addition of new books, addition of new students etc. Books and student maintenance Modules are also included in this system which would keep track of the students using the library and also a detailed description of the books a library contains. With this computerized system there will be no loss of book record or member record which generally happens when a non computerized system is used. In addition, report module is also included in Library Management System. If user’s position is admin, the user is able to generate different kinds of reports like lists of students registered, list of books, issue and return reports. All these modules are able to help librarian to manage the library with more convenience and in a more efficient way as compared to library systems which are not computerized.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
In human endeavors, there are a lot of developments, researches, and discoveries, which result in multifarious production of publications and library materials. These have brought increase in complexity of library system and its operations.
Based on these, a number of problems are facing the library systems, which include:
• Unnecessary delay in library processes.
• High cost of staff recruitment and maintenance.
• Error prone operations/processes.
• Inefficiency in library operation.
• Too many paper work and replication of data on multiple pieces of paper.
• Unreliable card catalogue system.
• Mutilation of books by students i.e. students tear/hide books.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The aim of this project is the Design and Implementation of a Web Based Library Management System which monitors and keeps record of the individual book movement together with the operations going on in various sections of the library.
In this study therefore, the researchers hope to accomplish the following objectives:
• To design a better way of avoiding loss of books in the library.
• To solve the problem of delay in locating books.
• To assist the Liberian to carry out library operations more effectively.
• To eliminate manual operations in the library.
• To achieve high efficiency in the library services.