BASIC FUNCTIONS OF LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (LMS) 

The basic functions of any LMS are: ordering and acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation control, serials control, management information and community information control. A library manager must always look for ways in which these functions can be integrated in order to reduce duplication of effort. Much of the software available in the market provides this integration in the sense that the software is provided in a series of modules covering specific functions which together form a complete system from acquisitions to online catalogue. 'Modules can be bought as required and or as funding permits. Each module will work with all others, allowing records to he transferred from one to the other. The main objective is to indicate the factors which must be taken into consideration while studying automation of routines and to examine how some of the software perform with this type of activity.