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The purpose of this paper is to inform librarians about the advanced features of the next generation library systems called library management services. It is time to ask if and when a library should move on to the new system.

The author looked into each new system for evaluation and analysis.

The next generation library systems include Alma from Ex Libris, Intota from Serials Solutions, Kuali OLE from the Kuali Foundation, Sierra from Innovative Interfaces, and Worldshare from OCLC. The new systems are designed with many advanced features such as electronic resources management, license management, user driven acquisitions, trial database management, statistic reporting, and more.

A search for relevant literature from the past three years has yielded no publications or data on the evaluation and analysis of the new library systems. Therefore, the information in this article is original.

Web based knowledge management systems have opened new arrays in the present web based world. Because of innumerable features, they have become the first hand choice of every organization. The objective of this paper is to propose a web based knowledge management system for university libraries that will support the creation, organization, storage, dissemination and utilization of the institution's digital knowledge assets. The paper also aims to illustrate the requirements of a web based knowledge management system (WBKMS) for university libraries along with their key advantages.

Existing web based knowledge management systems were surveyed and a model framework was developed keeping in view the prevailing loopholes in the present systems.

The study evolves into a model web based knowledge management system catering for the needs of the users in the present bit and byte world.

Further research can be conducted into designing web based knowledge management systems keeping in view the needs and behavior of the users they serve. Deep log analysis of the academically endeavored web based systems can be carried out for working out a better and productive WBKMS.

The outcome of the research will improve staff professionalism and will help in achieving coordination with other libraries and library users. Knowledge innovation in a web‐based environment will help in the creation of better and enlightened knowledge based society.

The technologies discussed will help in achieving satisfaction levels both on the part of users as well as library professionals. The whole behavior of seeking information and knowledge will change because of generation, sharing and management of information and knowledge in a virtual mode. Such systems will help organizations strategically when their branches are located in different geographical locations and this will give a platform to the members/employees to share best practices, problems, customer interactions, and prevent reinvention of the wheel.

Knowledge management systems have opened new arrays in the present digital environment. Nowadays, because of innumerable features, they have become the choice of many organizations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the issues of a KM-based digital library system that will support the creation, organization, storage, dissemination and utilization of the institution's digital knowledge assets.

The study is based on viewpoints, a review of existing concepts and the structure of DL and KM, and on the results of an interview of ten DL practitioners world-wide. The respondents are purposively selected from the participants' lists of an international training program (ITP) on “managing electronic information and digital libraries”. The interview is conducted by e-mail using a short, structured and open-ended questionnaire.

The present study finds some significant overlaps between DL and KM and argues that a generic KM process of acquisition, organization, storage and retrieval, and dissemination of knowledge by receiving feedback can suitably be fitted in DL. It is apparent that an integration of KM can add value to building a knowledge sharing culture, promoting the KM culture, and ultimately increase the organizational output. It helps to improve efficiency, to ensure higher productivity and user satisfaction in the library.

Further research can be conducted into designing KM-based DL systems keeping in view the needs and behavior of the users they serve. A deep log analysis of the academically endeavored KM-based systems can be carried out for working out a better and productive DL. The recent study requires a practical investigation.

The outcome of the research will improve the DL system to enhance its effectiveness, staff professionalism and will help in achieving coordination. Knowledge innovation in a DL environment will help in the creation of better and an enlightened knowledge-based society.

The issues discussed here will help in achieving satisfaction levels both on the part of users as well as DL professionals. The proposed issues and structure is an original work and theoretically, they would contribute to the advancement of an academic debate in both the areas of DL and KM.

The ability to manipulate efficiently data for management information is becoming increasingly important. Minstrel, a European Union funded project is creating a software tool designed to assist with the acquisition and handling of data on library use. The activity has been developed from a study of decision support and performance measures in European libraries carried out in 1994. The first phase of Minstrel has included consultation with potential users, a specification of functions and investigation of methods for interfacing with potential data sources and decision support tools.

This paper examines 10 libraries, from the academic, public and special sectors, all of which have recently purchased a new library management system (LMS). The systems can be described as “third generation” library systems, although some differences are noted and the designation “new generation” library systems is preferred. The aim of the study was to assess the effect the new systems had upon the working practices of the libraries, and to examine in particular whether or not the systems were now delivering the kinds of benefits that would satisfy those who have been critical of the lack of achievement of these LMSs to date. The paper considers the impact of client/server architecture, and examines to what extent librarians and suppliers have taken advantage of developments in the areas of World Wide Web technology. It concludes that the librarians in this sample were first and foremost pragmatists; although relatively new and untried systems were chosen by four of the 10 libraries.

This study explores, historically, that definition of information management (IM) which centres on the ordering and channelling of non‐publicly available information within organisations. Whereas IM as a discipline is relatively new, as an activity within modern organisations it has a long history. Three types of organisation are highlighted: the business corporation, the library and the state agency (specifically, British military intelligence). Sophisticated information systems in organisations are a core feature of modernity and can be traced back to the revolution in state administration in the nineteenth century and to the emergence of large corporations from about 1880 onwards. At about the same time, libraries too evolved systematic, internal information flows and regimes, often of a standardised nature dictated by library management theorists. Evidence from the government sphere is also presented: considerable space is given in the study to the role played by IM in the early years of MI5, Britain‘s counter‐espionage and counter‐insurgency military intelligence agency. Documents recently released by the Public Record Office, covering the first decade of MI5’s history between 1909 and 1919, point to a growing recognition of the importance of IM. In conclusion, a case will be made for the construction of a new subject field of ‘Information Management History’ which will enrich, particularly through potentially exciting research pathways, not just the established fields of business and administrative history but also the emergent discipline of IM itself.

States that the market for computer systems that manage digital content is currently in turmoil but that the overall direction of both library policy and supplier strategy seems clear – the digital library will play a key role in organizing content and supporting and facilitating access to it. Suggests that digital libraries will become diffuse asset management systems capable of high levels of integration with other learning, management and recreation systems, and that digital libraries will tend increasingly to adopt an ever wider range of platforms and content technologies created for wider commercial and economic purposes.

In common with many other UK academic libraries using the LIBERTAS library management system, Bristol University Library set out in 1998 to acquire a replacement. This paper describes the background to the Bristol project to choose a new system, and some of its distinctive features, briefly indicates the outcome (acquisition of Aleph 500 from Ex Libris), and draws some lessons from the experience. It is easy to under. estimate the size of the task involved in installing a modern library management system. Careful thought should be given to an assessment of conversion needs and to the justifcation for retaining existing practices (e.g. use of UKMARC) rather than accepting the international norm. Both staff and users must understand the need for change and be prepared for its consequences. On‐site support from the system supplier is vital and time is of the essence.

This paper aims to discuss the progress of library management software and to trace out the characteristics and trends of software with special reference to packages that provide either web interface for some of their modules or total web‐based solutions for all management modules. The paper also seeks to compare services and facilities and technologies incorporated in library automation packages.

The paper reports on a survey of software vendors in Delhi, India, aimed at knowing about the different features of the six software packages selected for this study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire that was circulated among the software vendors.

A variety of software is available in the software marketplace. However, only a few of them are fully web compatible and support maximum technological features.

The research focuses only on software packages which are available in Delhi.

The comparative analysis of Library Management Software Systems made in this study will be helpful for librarians who are planning to automate their libraries and will also provide help to maintain software that is most suitable to their needs.

No comprehensive survey has been carried out regarding the web interface for Library Management Software Systems in India.