Library software: Etusoft BookHive

Etusoft BookHive library software: a case study

Etusoft BookHive is a library management system built to make running a library simple and efficient. It downloads book data automatically from the ISBN, records new books with special conditions or care needs, and tracks where each book sits in the library. In this case study we look at how BookHive helped a library in Louisiana streamline its operations and improve its overall performance.

Challenges

The library had several problems to solve. First, the existing cataloguing system took too much effort and slowed down day-to-day work. Second, the library wanted a better experience for its members, making it easier to find and check out books. Third, it needed a better way to track the state of its collection and decide, with real information, which books to keep, remove or add. The existing books also had to be moved from the old, outdated system into the new one, which our team did in record time.

Solution

BookHive was identified as a possible answer to these challenges. After careful research and evaluation, the library decided to adopt it. The rollout went smoothly with no interruptions, and the librarians were trained on the system. These are the BookHive features the library found most useful:

Automatic book data from the ISBN: BookHive can download book data for more than 40 million international titles from their ISBN. Librarians no longer type book details by hand, which saves them a significant amount of time and effort.

Location tracking inside the library: with BookHive, librarians can track where each book is in the library.

Multiple membership types: the library can create several membership types, renewable at the desk or online. This makes the collection easier for members to access.

AI-based recommendation engine: BookHive suggests books based on reading history and preferences. This improves the member experience and encourages readers to explore more of the collection.

Web interface: the library gets a website that shows its whole catalogue, running as a subdomain of the library's own site. Members can find books online and reserve them.

Results

BookHive had a significant impact on the library's operations and on its members' experience. The library saw these results:

Simpler operations: day-to-day work got simpler, and librarians now spend more time on other important tasks, such as working with members and organising events.

Better member experience: members find books more easily, thanks to BookHive's tracking and recommendation engine.

Informed decisions: the library now has an accurate view of the state of its collection and can make informed decisions about its future.