Acquisitions through LibSys : An Experience

Libraries have three options for software acquisition. They are developing the software in house, procuring customisable software and purchasing commercially available software. There is an increasing trend in adoption of commercial systems in libraries in India. LibSys, a commercially available integrated library housekeeping software, is being used at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Library. The experience of the author in using the acquisitions module of LibSys system is described under the headings verification and order record creation; order preparation and transmission; receipt and check-in; claiming and cancellations; invoicing and accessioning; payments; library book funds and balances; management information reports and statistics; documentation; and training and system support. The article not only focuses on the capabilities of the LibSys system as for as its acquisition module is concerned but also highlights the lacuna observed in various functions of the system.