Mandarin Automation System - Case Study Example

A report about the mandarin automation system al affiliation) Introduction Mandarin automation system is a hardware, software and services offering complete library management solutions for the web based and windows systems. It is a web-based system that allows access to the resources in the library through any workstation possessing a web browser. Mandarin M3 and mandarin OPAC are the two systems that offer complete automation functions that include circulation, cataloging, reports, searching, inventory, as well as modules. The Mandarin M3 library automation system is a search engine and native MARC database that has been designed specifically for library use. The flexible library management tools everything from cataloging and reports to patron search stations and circulation. The M3 core package, for example, contains fully integrated modules such as cataloging, group editor, circulation, report tool, inventory, and OPAC. Mandarin library automation system has been offering affordable library services and systems since 1986. Each system produced is often customized for different books. Mandarin content management system, for example, is hosted library automation and web based system designed to function as the user’s website, as well as ILS. Most of these services can be purchased online or directly from the vendor (Mandarin Library Automation, 2014). Strengths and suitability of the system The system has software such as mandarin oasis that permits access to library resources through any computer having an internet connection. The simple interface is easier to understand, and the features and appearances can be tailored for each library. Optional services and modules that are offered by the system allow libraries to customize in order to meet the needs of the consumers. The system also supports Unicode, which allows the users and librarians to catalog and search their language and collections. Oasis can help save time and lower costs of one-point installation, updates, and maintenance. Another feature possessed by the system is the Mandarin M3 core module that offers sophisticated and powerful features. In cases where the user have one or more multiple libraries and the collections numbers over a thousand, the module often perform advanced functionality with the ease of economic installation as well as economics (Library Automation: A year on, 2007). Optional add-on modules extend the functionality of the system to meet the need of a library and its users. The Mandarin M3 core system has various modules such the Windows OPAC, circulations, cataloging, inventory report tools and group editor. M3 inventory allows the user to conduct an inventory of the partial holdings of the library. The inventory module often compares the content of the holding database with the results once the inventory procedure is complete. The nine reports produced by the module includes loaned shelved items, inventory statistics, out of range items, duplicate barcode items, misplaced items, items with invalid barcodes, missing items as well as newly found items. The display for the inventory was designed with ease of utilization. The inventory window is into the inventory and barcode pane. The inventory pane displays the result of the inventory procedure while the barcode pane displays the barcode files utilized in the system. The Mandarin M3 group editor module uses a hierarchical and elaborate security scheme that enables the librarian to assign levels of access to circulation, cataloging data base, OPAC maintenance features. Security in the module is implemented by utilizing the M3 group editor module. The group editor customizes, creates and modifies the group permission required to access the systems. The mandarin report tool is a flexible report generator that is powered by the Zen software and is with the Update agreement, as well as M3 services. The module is with M3 and can generate over eight hundred reports that can be customized effectively if need be. The report specialist can also make the customized reports for free (Mandarin Library Automation, 2014). The system is useful in the maintenance of institutional records. The M3 cataloging module provides powerful and functional MARC editor for all the record formats. The module allows files to be with other institutions that subscribe to MARC. The module is not only easy to use, but it is also efficient and robust. Cataloging imports bibliographic, authority and patron records in a variety of data formats such as HTML, MARC, fixed width as well as delimited. A high-speed import and export option allows the user to plan more than a 1000 records and helps save the processing time. The import option allows the user to generate holding records, update barcodes, specify how fields are displayed, and select the field, records and subfields to imports (Mandarin Library Automation, 2014). In addition Mandarin, M3 enables the user to view items, patrons, and transaction information in a three pane split screen that is visible in returns, loans, and reserve activities as well as during renewal. The efficient M3 circulation designs support frequent distribution activities. One-click functionality offered by the system for returns, loans, renewals, booking, status review and excellent processing means fewer and shorter lines personnel at the front of the desk. It enables self-return and self-check and expand the patron’s offering without the effect on the library staffs (Mader, 2010). Circulation module makes it easier to track report and manage textbooks. The mandarin library automation system supports the mandarin oasis and mandarin M3 software. The users are able to improve their M3 functionality by utilizing WebOPAC, Bookwhere, Zserver, Marc magician, serial & acquisition, mobile module, synthetic module, authority database, authority control, SIP2 authenticator and other optional software. The system has an authority control module that adds authority control capability to Oasis or M3 and supports the library Congress of Congress MARC 21 standards. The authority control enables the catalogers to develop headings that are consistent in the bibliographic records. In oasis, authority control displays cataloging functions and references that can be in the future. The authority control enables the library to decrease cataloging time while improving the recording quality. Weaknesses Among the weaknesses of mandarin automation system is continuous training of the staffs as a result of innovation in the same field. Initial and recurrence expenses that entail the installation costs as well as software and hardware obsolescence are the other weaknesses associated with the system ( Mcknight, 2012). Users often look for products that are friendly and easier to use, support international known standards such as MARC, popularity of the package, training, and support as well as those that require minimal training. Most of the current Mandarin product meets almost all such a criteria. The system also offers tracking services as well as security of the materials throughout the library. The current states of small libraries may make it difficult to install the system. Records of most small libraries may not be in the MARC format or may be incomplete. Security of the library automation system remains a challenge as a result of attacks that may lead to theft of library materials. Mandarin automation system has however come up with an effective strategy for ensuring the information is stored in the clouds. Conclusion Despite the few challenges associated with the mandarin automation systems, its benefits outweigh the limitations. The system enables easy access to library materials and improves the efficiency of the staffs by facilitating multitude of tasks such as cataloging, reference and circulations (Blobaum, 2014). The system also boosts security by utilization of the cloud technology and security. The system is more effective for large library systems as well as single sites as it helps lower costs and save time with an update, maintenance, and one point installation. Additionally, the system can be upgraded with scanners in situations where the automation system requires easy and quick management of the inventory. References Blobaum, P. (2014). Parents of Invention: The Development of Library Automation Systems in the Late 20th Century. Journal Of The Medical Library Association : JMLA, 102(1), 63-64. doi:10.3163/1536-5050.102.1.014 Library Automation and Networks. (2009). The Electronic Library, 1(4), 234-240. doi:10.1108/eb044602 Library automation: A year on. (2007). The Electronic Library, 15(3), 196-200. doi:10.1108/eb045556 Mandarin Library Automation. (2014). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.mlasolutions.com/about-us/company-profile Mcknight, S. (2012). Purchase of a library automation system. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 65-73. Read More