Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

The concept of automation brought about substantial changes in

businesses and industries as it created new job opportunities and introduced a

better and more efficient way of handling processes and business transactions. It

had been applied also in different organizations and academic institutions. One

example of this was the automation of the library system.

Library system, as the name implies has its essential contribution, either

manually, semi-computerized, or computerized that makes all library processes

more efficient as possible. The library system is used to maintain accurate and

pertinent records such as inventory of books, books borrowed, books returned,

books on due and borrower’s information, and more.

But in almost everything, there is evolution. The trend today in library

systems is computer-aided systems. Libraries from big schools and institutions

have their library systems computerized.

These advancements paved way for the researcher’s interest to make a

computerized library system. This is to develop a system that provides adequate

information about the Faith Christian Academy of Novaliches library. Moreover,

the computerized system would facilitate the provision of knowledge and

organize the system by simple data entries or even just by clicking buttons. Now

that is automation.
Background of the study

According to the official website of Faith Christian Academy of Novaliches

(FCAN), “…In the mid-90s, a vision was born to a group of young parents from

Evangels For Christ Church (EFC), the scions of Tatay Goring and Nanay

Sayong, who dreamed of a Christian-based education for their children. It was

their conviction and desire that their children learn, grow and be nurtured in a

Christian environment… May 17, 1994 marked the first official steps made

towards the realization of this vision. George Lazarte and wife, Vicki, together

with Pastor Ferdie Lazarte and wife Kit, met and prayed at the Lazarte rest

house in San Pablo, Laguna. Mr. George Lazarte was able to acquire an

additional lot along Quirino Highway opening the ancestral lot to Novaliches’

main thoroughfare and expanding its area to a total of 2,242 square meters.

Construction followed immediately. Faith Christian Academy Of Novaliches

commenced its operation in School Year 1995-1996.” (http://www.faithcan.org,

Retrieved 04-02-10) Up to present, FCAN continues to administer quality and

Christian-based education to its students with trained faculty and updated

educational materials, programs and facilities.

One way of nurturing the minds of the students is by providing them an

educational facility where the students can study, research, and gain more

knowledge – the library. The library began its full operation three years after the

school accepted enrollees for its preschool and grade school departments.

According to the current librarian, the library at that time was situated at the

second floor of the administrative building, months later it was moved still at the

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second floor, but in a bigger room. Ms. Eva de Chavez took charge as the

librarian providing administration to the school library. There were no official

library system used, only the Dewey Decimal Classification System for

classification of books. The students borrowed books using library cards. The

library consultant then was Ms. Corazon De la Cruz, the librarian of the graduate

school of Philippine Association for Christian Education (PACE). In 2005, the

library was transferred on the first floor of the same building, (which is the

Conference Room today) and the librarian was replaced by Ms. Tess Orea. A

computer unit was acquired and is utilized by the librarian in its operation.

However, there was still no development in the library system. A year later, Ms.

Orea resigned and there was no immediate replacement. The school

administration sought the help of Ms. Criselda Pajaron to replace the vacant

librarian position. Ms. Pajaron barely had knowledge yet about library

administration but soon accepted the offer and studied at PACE. During Ms.

Pajaron studies, the library was relocated to the old computer room, and the

computer acquired in 2005 is replaced by a newer one. However, according to

the statement of Ms. Pajaron, the school was stricken then by a terrible storm

and flood rushed up until the first floor, flooding also the entire library. After the

storm, it left the library with waste and piles of drenched and unusable books. All

books were soon replaced. In 2008, Ms. Pajaron graduated with a bachelor’s

degree in Library Management and officially became the librarian of FCAN. The

library also expanded as the garage was converted as an extension of the

library. As of today, Ms. Pajaron continues to cater library services to the

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students. After 15 years, there was still no huge development in the library

system being used, it currently use index card as the borrower’s card of the

student, and ledger for book records and inventories. The card catalog system is

replaced by index cards of book records filed and sorted alphabetically in a clear

book. A computer was also acquired for operations.

To further enhance the visions of learning of the founders, the proponents

aim to improve the system of learning in the institution through engaging

students in technology in the place committed for learning – the library.

Information Technology Innovation

In creating a computerized system, two components are needed, these

are the hardware and the software. In the proposed system, the bar code will be

used in tracking library users and library materials, it will also offer a cheaper way

for identification. The proposed system will include a USB bar code scanner, and

bar code label. The computer will be used for manipulating the system which

involves using the internet for accessing the online system. This system will

utilize paid web hosting services for publishing the online system over the

internet. The online system will be built up using Extensible Hypertext Markup

Language (XHTML) 1.0 as the main web developing language, Cascading Style

Sheets (CSS) 2.0 and 3.0 for styles and formatting, Hypertext Preprocessor

(PHP) 5.2.0 and JavaScript for creating dynamic websites, MySQL 5.0 for

creating and managing databases, and by the following software, Notepad++

5.6.8 as the main source code editor and Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 3

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(CS3) for the graphics needed. Tables 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 further elaborates the

technologies used in developing the proposed system.

Hardware

Hardware Description
Barcode Reader Astech Laser USB Barcode Scanner Laptop PC
Plug and Play

Table 1.0
Barcode Reader Used in the Proposed Study

PC Specifications Acer Neo M54SE

Intel Pentium Processor Intel Celeron 530 1.73
Processor
T4200 2.0Ghz Ghz
Via Chrome 9 HCIGM
Video Card Intel GMA 4500 M
128.00 MB
Monitor 14.0” HD LED LCD 14” LCD
Memory 2GB 1GB
Hard Disk Drive 250 GB 80 GB

Table 2.0
Hardware Used in Developing the Proposed Study

Operating System Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3

Office Suite Microsoft Office 2007
Source Code Editor Notepad ++ v5.6.8
Programming Language PHP 5, CSS, JavaScript
Database MySQL 5
Graphics Photoshop CS3
Software

Table 3.0
Software Used in Developing the Proposed Study
These information technology innovations are needed in order to build up

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the proposed system. It will also put into shape the ideas in the development

perod Consecutively, the manner these methodologies are used will affect the

outcome of this study.

Rationale

The proponents believed that knowledge and education are two of the

major components to succeed in life, for this reason, the proponents choose this

topic to enhance the skills and comprehension of the people who would want to

gain knowledge by making it more interactive. The researchers wanted the library

users and the librarian to access the campus library even if they are outside the

school campus and to help the students gain more knowledge and information

through the features of the proposed system.

Objectives of the study

The objective of the study is the assertion statement of the problem with

the general objectives and specific objectives on the desired outcome of the

research process.

General Objective. The general objective of this study is to develop the

proposed system entitled “Online Library System and Education Portal for Faith

Christian Academy of Novaliches Using Barcode”.

Specific Objectives. To achieve the general objective, the study sought

the following specific objectives.

1. To analyze and explain how the existing library system operates.

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 2. To identify the problems encountered in the existing library system.

3. To develop a proposed system that would be beneficial to Faith

Christian Academy of Novaliches and lessen the problems

encountered in the existing system.

4. To prove that the proposed system is technically, and operationally

feasible.

Hypothesis of the Study

There is no significant difference between the existing and the proposed

system in terms of accuracy, reliability, security, and usability.

.
Scope and Limitations

Scope. The proposed study focuses on the development of a

computerized library system for Faith Christian Academy of Novaliches, which is

the intended beneficiary of this study as well as the completion of the general

and specific objectives of the said study. This research project will be using a

variety of research methods, analytical tools and instruments, and development

tools and technologies for this study.

Limitations. This study does not cover the entire population of the

beneficiary, but only a selected sample that serves as respondents for this study.

In terms of the proposed system, searching of books and other library materials

through the Online Public Access Catalog is available for all users whether

registered or not. All users can leave a comment, suggestion, or feedback about

the system or any related topic using the "Guestbook" feature. However, certain

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components will only be seen on a particular type of user such as reservation of

books, viewing the borrower’s record and the complete access of Education

Portal. It would only be available for registered library users. A maximum of three

(3) books or any library material can be reserved. HTML comments or posts are

disabled in the “Guestbook” feature and posts of the librarian. On the

administrator portal, the “Mark as Unavailable” function must be confirmed for the

action to be created. It is also irreversible. The other administrator does not have

an access to the account of another administrator. A newly registered user must

confirm first the registration made with the librarian or the administrator. A

suspended library user is revoked of its privileges on the proposed system. Thus,

reservation, borrowing of books, as well as access to the education portal will not

be available until the user is restored to its active status.

Significance of the Study

Students. As for students, it will be easier for them to check the

availability of the books they are looking for. They can also read articles for

different subjects, watch educational videos, visit links, download electronic

books and search for other library resources.

Faculty. They will also be benefited in this study for they can use the

online library resources to help them with their teaching. They can make use of

the presentations during class discussions and help them search for the

availability of the books they need.

Librarian. The librarian will be benefited in the proposed system for the

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librarian will not have a hard time in managing library records as well as

borrowing of books through barcode reader and have reports regarding the

library.

Researchers. They will be benefited in this proposed system for they will

be able to enhance their skills and ability in the programming languages and the

technologies used. Also, they will be able to have the experience in the industry

that they may encounter in the future.

Future Researchers. They will be benefited in this proposed system for

they will be able to have a basis in their future researches that is related to the

proposed study.

Definition of Terms

Technical terms are to be defined for better understanding by the

readers. These terms can be defined conceptually (from the dictionary) or

operationally based on its implication in the study. These terms related to the

proposed study are defined as follows:

Adobe Photoshop CS4. It is a photo-editing software used to create

icons and graphics needed for the website.

Automation. Is the replacement of manual operations to computerized

methods.

Barcode label. A symbol with an adhesive backing that has a printed

barcode on the face.

Barcode scanner. A device used to read the barcode.

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 Cascading Style Sheet (CSS). Is used to make and control the

design of website.

Card Catalog. Alphabetical listing of books in the library.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). This refers to a broadband technology

that enables high-speed internet access to a home or business over a standard

telephone line.

Dewey Decimal Classification System. A system for classifying

knowledge and assigning call numbers to library materials.

Embedding. Insertion of resources specifically multimedia.

End Users. A group of people that uses applications created by

developers.

Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML). Web developing

language that conforms to the standards of World Wide Web Consortium.

Extreme Prototyping. Architectural process for developing web

application

Filipiniana Section. Books published in the Philippines.

General Circulation Section. Is a part of the library where books

can be borrowed.

Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP). Is a scripting language that is used on

the server. It is also used to create dynamic web pages.

Integrated Library System. Is an enterprise resource planning system

for library used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who

have borrowed.

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 JavaScript. Is a scripting language which enables web designers to add

dynamic and interactive elements to a web site.

Library. Is a room or a place where books are kept.

MySQL. Is a relational database management system that runs as a

server providing multi-user access to a number of databases.

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). Is an electronic card catalog

system or computer you connect to when you look up library resources.

Population. It represents the totality of all elements, subjects, or

members that possesses a specified set of one or more characteristics that

define it.

Portal. Repository of information.

Programming Language. It is an artificial language that can be used to

control the behavior of a machine, particularly the computer.

Reference Section. Materials such as dictionaries, handbooks and

encyclopedias that cannot be borrowed out.

Sample. It is a subset of the population under study.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Serves as the address of the web

site.

Universal Serial Bus (USB). Is a high speed serial I/O port.

Video Conferencing. A Web Technology that involves a remote

instructor's video presentation broadcasted over multiple subscribers using the

Internet.

Web Browser. Application used to view web pages.

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 Web Hosting . A free or a paid service that host web pages over

the internet.

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