Library Automation Service Systems Market By Product Type (Commercial systems, Open source systems, Others) By Application(School library, Public library, Other library) and Region - Global Forecast to 2026

The global library automation service market was valued at approximately US$ 1.7 Bn in 2017, and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.3%. The report offers in-depth insights, revenue details, and other vital information regarding the global library automation service market and the various trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and threats in the target market till 2026. The report also offers insightful and detailed information regarding the various key players operating in the global Library automation service market, and their financials, apart from strategies, acquisitions & mergers, and market footprint. The global library automation service market is segmented on the basis of type, application, and region.

Library automation service systems are systems used to automate the library functions and process with integration of computer technologies to library functions such as cataloguing, information retrieval, circulation, serials control, reference and administration, order made, bills paid, etc. There are mainly two types of library automation systems commercial systems and open source systems.

The major factors driving growth of the global market of library automation service systems are improvement in cataloguing systems, easier access and lasting effect, and advancement in technology. It is proving to be a best way to handle the libraries due to its wide spread applicability in school libraries, public libraries, and other libraries, and driving growth of the global library automation service systems market.

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Automated cataloging standards such as machine readable cataloging (MARC) helps in quicker cataloging of library items. Automated library cataloguing systems leads to creation of bibliographical information in MARC standard format for most of library activities and services, which helps in creation, storage, retrieval, and management of bibliographic records and indexes. This also enables end users to search any fields, and allows fast retrieval and printing of required information and aids in eradicating time-consuming routine activities, improved the performance of operational activities, and facilitated collection of useful statistics.

In addition, it helps in easy access to journals and some books. The automation of library collections also allows the library to be more flexible, especially in case of increasing demand for popular or specific reading material. Library automation is a way of preparing the collection to become sustainable in terms of information dissemination, paired with the ever-decreasing amount of funding for libraries. Switching to an automated system allows libraries to add on features when they become available in the future, instead of having to do a complete overhaul of their collections and cataloging methods. This is expected to drive the global library automation service market.

High installation cost of library automation service systems results in increased power consumption, which raises operational and maintenance costs and need for extensive training of library professionals for library automation systems are major challenges hampering growth of the global library automation service systems market. In addition, budget constraints due to high cost of software, hardware and need for extensive training for librarians, especially for smaller libraries and universities etc. may hamper the growth of the global library automation service systems market during the forecasted years.

Technological advancements, and development of cost-effective systems by major players may create opportunities which is expected to further drive growth of the global library automation service systems market during the forecast period. Major players are focusing on expanding their geographical presence into emerging markets in countries such as Middle East & Africa. Increasing adoption rate of automation systems with multi-features and applications is fueling the demand for library automation service system across the globe. Key vendor’s emphasis on development of cost-effective software and hardware that will have high potential revenue opportunities for players, and power-efficient systems, which will decrease need for cooling or air conditioning, will further create opportunities for existing as well as new players in the target market.

In addition, Computing technology and mass storage technology are areas of continuous development that reshape the way libraries access, retrieve, manage, store, manipulate, and disseminate information to end users. Furthermore, libraries are also using information and communication technology to automate core functions, implement efficient and effective library cooperation and resource sharing networks, develop institutional repositories of digital local content, and implement management information systems. Also, barcode technology has now been replaced by radio frequency identification devices (RFID), which allows books to be issued to readers and returned without the need to physically handle every book. In addition, it makes library inventory projects more efficient.

Shift towards integrated library systems coupled with high adoption rate of automation systems with multi-features and applications as well as option to migrate from services once performed at local level to cloud-based services enables end users to scale-up services to suit their specific needs and to customize services accordingly is the key trend in the global library automation service systems market.

Market Analysis by Type:

On the basis of type, open source system segment is expected to contribute major revenue share in the global library automation service market and is expected to witness highest CAGR of over 3%, in terms of revenue over the forecast period, owing long-term viability and are always on the cutting-edge of technology coupled with libraries opting for open source systems.

Market Analysis by Application

Among all the application segments, public libraries are expected to register highest CAGR of over 3%. This is attributed to higher visitor footfall volumes to these types of libraries – public libraries offer pay-and-use services and memberships – and there are no restrictions to who may access services or sign up at these libraries. However, the school libraries are expected to dominate the global library automation service systems market in term of revenue. This is attributed due to advantages offered by these systems such as increased operational efficiency, improvisation of quality and speed to enable efficient services. In addition, it helps to relieve library professionals from clerical works so that they are available to provide user-oriented services.

Market Analysis by Region:

North America market is expected to dominate the global library automation service market, and is expected to account for largest market revenue share as compared to that of markets in other regions. Driving factors for growth of this market is the presence of prominent library automation service systems providers in the region such as OCLC, Sirsi Corporation, and Infor, coupled with high adoption of library automation systems in various academic, and public libraries in countries in the region. However, Europe is expected to register highest CAGR of approximately 3% over the forecasted years. This is primarily attributed due to high rate of adoption of library automation service systems by major agencies and universities in recent times.

Library automation service systems segmentation by type:

• Commercial systems
• Open source systems
• Others

Library automation service systems segmentation by application:

• School library
• Public library
• Other library

Library automation service systems segmentation by region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

• OCLA ((Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated)
• Sirsi corporation
• PTFS, INC
• Infor
• Capita plc.
• Ex Libris Ltd.
• LIBSYS Ltd.
• Book Systems, Inc.
• CR2 Technologies Limited
• Agent Information Software, Inc.
• Library Automation Technologies Inc. (LAT)
• The Library Corporation
• PrimaSoft PC, Inc.
• Equinox Open Library Initiative