Library Management
Library Management
Manage your institution’s library resources, track book circulation, handle reservations, and generate overdue reports with OpenEduCat’s comprehensive library management system.
Overview
The Library module provides complete library operations including:
- Media Catalog: Books, journals, CDs, DVDs, and digital resources
- Circulation: Issue, return, renew, and reserve materials
- Library Cards: Student and faculty library membership
- Fines Management: Calculate and collect overdue fines
- Inventory: Track copies, locations, and availability
- Reports: Circulation statistics and analytics
Module Editions
| Feature | Community | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Media catalog management | Yes | Yes |
| Issue and return | Yes | Yes |
| Library card management | Yes | Yes |
| Reservation queue | Yes | Yes |
| Overdue tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Fine calculation | Yes | Yes |
| Barcode scanning | No | Yes |
| Self-checkout portal | No | Yes |
| Digital resources | No | Yes |
| Inter-library loan | No | Yes |
| SMS/Email notifications | No | Yes |
| Advanced reports | No | Yes |
Media Movement Workflow
┌───────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ┌────────┐ ┌─────────────┐│ Available │───▶│ Reserved│───▶│ Issued │───▶│ Return Done │└───────────┘ └─────────┘ └────────┘ └─────────────┘ │ │ └─────────────────────────────┘ (Direct Issue)| State | Description |
|---|---|
| Available | Item on shelf, ready for circulation |
| Reserved | Item held for specific patron |
| Issued | Item checked out to patron |
| Return Done | Item returned, back in circulation |
Navigation
Access library management from the main menu:
OpenEduCat → Library
Menu Structure
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Overview of library activity |
| Media | All library materials catalog |
| Media Units | Individual copies of media |
| Media Movements | Issue/return transactions |
| Library Cards | Member cards management |
| Media Queue | Reservation requests |
| Media Purchase | Acquisition requests |
| Overdue List | Items past due date |
| Configuration | Media types, publishers, authors |
Quick Start
- Add media to catalog (books, journals, etc.)
- Create media units for individual copies
- Issue library cards to students/faculty
- Issue books to card holders
- Process returns and collect fines
- Generate reports for library analytics
Related Modules
- Student Management: Student records for library cards
- Faculty: Faculty library membership
- Fees: Fine collection integration
- Portal: Self-service checkout (Enterprise)
Security Groups
| Group | Permissions |
|---|---|
| Library User | View catalog, request reservations |
| Library Assistant | Issue/return, manage cards |
| Library Manager | Full access including configuration |