Library Management System Software: Georgia Library Service

The Georgia Library Service (GLS) stands as a beacon of accessibility, inclusion, and innovation. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GLS provides a free braille and talking book service powered by a specially designed library management system software.

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Project Overview: GLS Library Management Software

Industry

Education

Country

USA

Platforms

Web

The GLS Library Management Software represents a groundbreaking paradigm shift as it moves away from library systems for individuals with print disabilities that rely on antiquated systems provided by their local libraries, and instead embraces a next-generation, digital-first experience with a priority placed on accessibility. As it relates to reading and learning, GLS has a meaningful and vital mission to reduce literacy and education barriers by obtaining equal access to information. The GLS library management system is user-friendly in that it will allow users to browse and review an extensive accessible library of literature, including both fiction and non-fiction, academic texts, newspapers, and magazines all in braille and audio or other types of adaptive media.

Clarifying: Library Management Software Development

AppZoro addressed several significant challenges faced by the Georgia Library Service (GLS) through the creation of a library management software designed to improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments and print disabilities. A primary challenge was the dependence on outdated methods for accessing library resources, which often required physical media and resulted in lengthy wait times. GLS incorporated advanced public library management software development to overcome these barriers and modernize its services. Moreover, GLS encountered difficulties in reaching underserved communities. The software facilitated outreach by offering an intuitive platform that increased awareness of available services. Features such as personalized recommendations and remote programming opportunities also promoted community engagement, thereby transforming GLS's service delivery into a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Strategies and Solutions for Public Library Management Systems

To bring Georgia Library Service (GLS) into the digital age, AppZoro took a strategic and human-centered approach to developing a modern public library management system software. At the heart of the project was a simple but powerful goal: make reading more accessible for people with visual impairments and print disabilities, no matter where they live. Many GLS users were still relying on outdated methods—physical catalogs, mailed media, and in-person support—to access braille and audio books. These systems created unnecessary delays and made it difficult for people, especially in rural areas, to engage with the library's offerings. AppZoro recognized that this wasn’t just a tech upgrade—it was an opportunity to rebuild the experience around the users. Our team developed a fully accessible mobile app tailored to the needs of visually impaired readers. The app acts as a digital bridge between users and GLS’s extensive catalog of braille and talking books.

Key Challenges for Developing Library Management Software

The AppZoro project encountered several significant challenges during library management software development: **User Testing and Feedback**: Extensive testing was necessary to ensure that the application catered to the diverse requirements of users with varying degrees of visual impairment. **Integration with Existing Systems**: Technical difficulties arose when attempting to synchronize the new application with the current catalog and Georgia Library Service (GLS) database. **Accessibility Compliance**: It was essential to comply with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to guarantee usability for all library patrons. **Training Staff**: Sufficient training programs were needed for GLS staff to effectively assist users in navigating the updated library management system software. **Ongoing Maintenance**: A long-term support and updates plan was required to respond to user feedback and keep pace with technological advancements.

Project Strategy for Library Management System Software

Since the application is related to the transportation of prisoners, ensuring utmost security was our key concern.

Phase 1 (Discovery and Planning)

The process began with a vital discovery process to understand what GLS was using and, more importantly, the processes that existed in relation to using their legacy library management platform. We conducted extensive audits and stakeholder interviews to detail the shortcomings of their current infrastructure and shades of areas for innovation. Ultimately, we were trying to pinpoint how a modern day public library management system software could better service the users, as well as staff.

Phase 2 (Design and Prototyping)

With an elaborate action plan in place we proceeded to the design and prototyping phase. This phase was user lead and accessibility focused from the beginning. The AppZoro design team created intuitive wireframes and interactive prototypes to simulate a number of different user experiences including experiences of people using screen readers, keyboard navigation or voice control. Usability testing was carried out with members of GLS community to validate that we were incorporating inclusive design principles and accommodating their specific needs. Behind the scenes, our library management software development architects provided a basis for defining modular systems architecture, based on industry best practices in library management software design, so that the platform would evolve and scale as much as possible without completely disrupting the user experience. Designing with a user first mentality and aimed to align the UI elements with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance, would allow the system to have some usability to patrons of all abilities.

Phase 3: (Development)

Library management software development was undertaken using an agile methodology, to allow for flexibility and an ongoing collaborative nature with the GLS team. Our front-end engineers used React.js to build a fast, responsive interface that worked well for people with screen readers and people with low vision. The UI incorporated dynamic font scaling, high-contrast features, and a simplified navigation layout that worked for all user types. The backend was powered by Node.js and Express.js, offering a lightweight but robust foundation for API integration, user authentication, and catalog access. MongoDB was chosen for database management due to its flexibility and scalability—supporting features such as user profiles, reading history, book categorization, and download tracking. All through development our intent was to ensure that this library management system software was not only functional, but empowering too; allowing what has traditionally been a manual, laborious service to be transformed into an instant, personalised and seamless experience.

Phase 4: (Implementation and Impact)

Once implemented, the library management system software was able to provide metric-based improvements in service delivery and user satisfaction. Book delivery wait times decreased by over 80% with the move to a digital distribution model. Monthly active users increased by 50%, showing that not only was the introduction of GLS successfully attracting new patrons, it was also successfully engaging existing patrons. The platform's user-friendly interface, accessibility features and user-centred design contributed to high levels of satisfaction rating from users and staff as well. Most importantly, with the implementation of the new platform, GLS has improved the accessibility of their services to rural and underserved communities (many of whom previously had limited or no access to braille and audio books). In addition, our platform is fully ADA and WCAG compliant, ensuring that their library management software met the highest accessibility standards, and establishing GLS as a leader in inclusive library services.