Every book in the library has a bar-code printed inside it.

When a member takes a book out on loan, the barcode of the book is read by a barcode reader - also the barcode of the member's card. Together with the date, this constitutes a 'transaction'.

Input :

• the barcode from the book
• the barcode from the member's card
• the date, librarian's name etc

This 'transaction' is then stored in the library's database.

NB : Barcodes contain a check digit which is used for automatic validation by the barcode reader.

The library's database would have files (tables) containing details about ...

• the books, magazines etc..
• the members
• the transactions

Information Retrieval :

The librarian will need to be able to find out whether a book is currently in stock in the library or whether it is out on loan - searches would have to be performed on the database.

There may also be a network link to other libraries.

The computer system will need to be able to calculate which books are overdue and whether any fines are due.

Output :

• summary reports
• results of searches.