Types of Information Systems Dr. D. Bilal IS 582 Spring 2007

Transaction Processing Systems: TPS Designed to handle a large volume of transactions:  Billing, payroll, order tracking and processing, accounts payable and receivable, securities, trading and cash management, etc.

Decision Support System: DSS Provides interactive models to help managers make better decisions Often used by middle and upper managers Implemented within another system to help users build profiles, cases, etc. to reach decisions  Example: Digichart system

Expert System: ES Knowledge of experts is captured in a computer to solve problems Based on Artificial Intelligence to recognize, formulate, solve problems, and learn from experience Software are called shells Not successful in all disciplines  Most fruitful in medicine for diagnosis

Office Automation System: OAD Performs a variety of activities based on its purpose:  word processing, electronic booking, appointments, document imaging, etc.

Information Systems Information retrieval systems  Databases, Web search engines, online catalogs Online catalogs  Library automated systems Software Hardware  Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs)

Types of Library Automated Systems In terms of function:  Stand-alone Characteristics  Integrated Characteristics

Types of Library Automated Systems In terms of interface:  Character-based (e.g., DOS-based) Almost obsolete  Windows-based  Web-based

Types of Library Automated Systems In terms of platforms  PC  Macintosh

Types of Library Automated Systems In terms of software development  In-house  Supplied by automation vendor (turnkey)  Open system (in the public domain)

Modules OPAC Circulation Cataloging Acquisitions Serials Other

Function of OPAC Information access to local collection Information access to external collections Known as the online public access catalog It is part of the online catalog that users access to locate library materials

Function of circulation Check-in Check-out Item hold Item reserve Item recall

Function of circulation Fines Overdues Statistics about collection use  In house  Outside library Management

Function of cataloging Input new items (original cataloging) Revise the cataloging of existing items File saved records Import/export of MARC records Search and retrieval

Function of acquisitions Item ordering Item receipt Item claims Item cancellation Item verification Management

Function of serials Serials check-in Serials routing Serials claim Serials cancellation Serials renewal Management

Benefits of Library Automation Enhances use of a collection Eliminates routine tasks Expedites and simplifies tasks Resource sharing (ILL, Union catalogs) Collection mapping

Benefits of Automation Wide access to resources via a federated search (as available) Frees some cataloging time Reduces amount of time spent on ordering and processing material

Pitfalls of Automation Time-consuming Costly New tasks (e.g., problem-shooting of software & hardware; training) Access to a collection can be denied when the system is down Federated searches - information overload