Design And Implementation Of An Online Digital Library System

An automated library system usually consists of a number of functional modules, such as acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, and an OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). An integrated library system is an automated system, as described above, in which all of the functional modules share a common bibliographic database. A library system uses a common machine-readable database and has two or more subsystems operational and accessible online.An Online Digital Library System (ODLS) is a superior integrated system. The duplication of effort to create and maintain multiple copies of bibliographic records is eliminated. Opportunities for errors are reduced when records are entered only once, and changes are automatically propagated throughout the system. There are also a number of system performance issues that were addressed during the selection process. Does the system have the capacity to handle the number of transactions, e.g. the number of books checked out daily in the library without slowing to an unacceptable level of performance? How many bibliographic records and patron records can the system hold?One of the main features and advantages of an integrated system is the sharing of bibliographic records among the various system modules. Other features include efficient and rapid access to library information; efficient processes in data acquisition; cataloguing and management of library resources; better reference and circulation management; easier access to online information and book reservations; new patterns of communication among library staff, especially between technical services staff and public services staff; increases in responsibility and decision making among lower level staffThe project was designed to meet library database objectives and be able to automate the library information and also able to access the information through Internet. The workwas accomplished through a thorough system analysis and investigations for existing information system on the Internet. The project is design using Microsoft Visual Studio.Net for web application, Structured Query Language (SQL) 2000 and HTML with ASP.Net.The web page was designed to permit Employees and Customers to get an overview of the features of the library system. The project was designed so that the Customers making registration and book reservation get the data submitted to the Data Server and receives a notification if the transfer has been successful. A search feature is included on the web page to enable Customers to search the library materials. The library system is designed to enable library staff to enter data for the library materials, e.g. online books, and for customers to make book reservations online. Use of passwords assists secure and control access to the database.Authentication, authorization and use of firewall security measures were put in place to enable secure transfer of data between the Client and Server. A firewall is a software plus hardware solution that enforces an access control policy between two networks, like the Internet and one's network. The firewall can be thought of as a pair of rnephanisms: one, which, exists to block traffic, and the other, which exists to permit traffic. Some firewalls place a greater emphasis on blocking traffic, while others emphasize permitting traffic. Probably the most important thing to recognize about a firewall is that it implements an access control policy. The project also implements the database security through configuration of authentication and authorization through Windows accounts and SQL Server login IDs. This is very important to protect the database integrity.