LIS Study Circle on "Automated Circulation"

LIS Study Circle met on January 15, 2010 at Executive Club of University of the Punjab, Lahore (Pakistan). The topic of this month's meeting was "Automated Circulation". Participants discussed the topics in details and explored associated subtopics. 
It was found that Pakistani Libraries lack in automated circulation systems and an assessment was made that only 5-10% Pakistani libraries have implemented automated circulation systems. It was identified that Pakistani Libraries are still struggling for the automation of library catalogs (bibliographic data of library holdings). Some identified hindrances to implement automated circulation in the libraries were as follows:

1. Lack of skilled manpower
2. Lack of library automation
3. Non-availability of standardized automation software
4. Lack of project management approach

The participants were agree that automated circulation offers certain benefits to libraries like:

1. increasing efficiency of library service, 
2. Enabling statistical analysis of library transactions, 
3. evaluating the use of library collections, 
4. etc.

The participants further discussed the use of RFID in Pakistani libraries. It was felt that technology adoption should be with proper planning and homework. There should be appropriate objectives for technology adoption instead of just the sake of technology phobia.
It was felt that concerned quarters like professional association, library schools, etc. should arrange some workshops to cover the related topics of automated circulation and widespread the concepts among LIS professionals of the country.
After the discussion, the participants shred a hot dinner in this chilled weather of Lahore.