Library automation, though old topic needs an elaborative
study, analysis and discussion. Majority of Indian Libraries
create OPAC records and start automated circulation and do
not go beyond by automating other housekeeping activities like acquisition, serials control and other modules. Few libraries take up this activity, however face many problems especially in choosing suitable Integrated Library Management System, following various standard protocols effectively, maintaining servers, getting funds for annual maintenance for getting third party service, etc. The success of library automation mainly depends upon the seriousness of librarians, support of managements, selection of suitable software, steps taken in maintenance, etc. There have been some attempts in developing 154 union catalogues such as that of INFLIBNET’s initiative covering Indian University Libraries. However such initiatives have not gone beyond discover services at the most ILL. This paper describes various aspects of library automation taking example of the successful automation of Library of University of Mysore, a model to follow by like minded libraries, especially the group of libraries under the same administrative umbrella to join their hands to use a single server using same ILMS for automating housekeeping activities beyond union catalogue
