► Automation is a software package used to assist building level librarians with the management of the library catalog (OPAC-Online Public Access Catalog), circulation, material and patron activity, as well as the production of a variety of reports and statistics

► There are many automation programs, some of which are Web-based and others of which are only accessible at the library

► Librarian should have a basic understanding of the automation process, maintenance of a library automation program, importation and deletion of material records, preserving the integrity of catalog records, the regular back up of data, the use of the system to monitor and prepare reports of library circulation and usage