Add and Update Items: Allow staff to add new items (books, journals, DVDs, etc.) to the catalog and update existing item details.
Item Classification: Classify items using systems such as Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress classification.
Metadata Management: Store and manage metadata for each item, including title, author, publication year, genre, ISBN, and location.
Search and Discovery
Search Functionality: Enable users to search for items using various criteria such as title, author, ISBN, keywords, and subject.
Advanced Filtering: Provide filtering options to narrow down search results based on criteria like publication date, genre, and availability.
Faceted Search: Allow users to refine searches using facets such as item type, author, and publication year.
Item Availability and Status
Availability Check: Display real-time availability status of items (e.g., available, checked out, reserved).
Hold and Reservation: Allow users to place holds or reservations on items that are currently checked out.
Check-In and Check-Out: Manage the check-in and check-out process for items, including updating availability and recording user transactions.
User Management
User Registration and Authentication: Allow patrons to create accounts, log in, and manage their profiles.
Profile Management: Users can update personal details, contact information, and preferences.
Account Management: Track and manage user activity, including current checkouts, holds, and fines.
Borrowing and Returns
Loan Management: Manage the borrowing and return process, including due dates, overdue fines, and renewals.
Renewals: Allow users to renew checked-out items if no other holds or reservations exist.
Fines and Fees
Overdue Fines: Calculate and manage fines for overdue items.
Fee Payment: Allow users to view and pay fines and fees online.
Reporting and Analytics
Usage Reports: Generate reports on item usage, including checkouts, returns, and reservations.
Inventory Reports: Provide reports on catalog inventory, including current holdings, new acquisitions, and item condition.
Integration
OPAC Integration: Integrate with an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to provide users with a web-based interface for searching the catalog.
External Systems: Integrate with other systems such as automated book sorters, RFID systems, and library management systems.
Catalog Enrichment
Item Reviews and Ratings: Allow users to leave reviews and ratings for items.
Recommendations: Provide recommendations based on user preferences and borrowing history.
Compliance and Security
Data Protection: Ensure the protection of user data and catalog information through encryption and secure storage.
Privacy Compliance: Adhere to data protection regulations and privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Non-Functional Requirements
Performance
Response Time: Ensure fast response times for searches, catalog updates, and user interactions (e.g., under 2 seconds for searches).
Scalability: The system should handle increasing numbers of catalog items, users, and transactions without performance degradation.
Reliability
Uptime: Ensure high system availability with minimal downtime (e.g., 99.9% uptime).
Error Handling: Implement robust error handling and recovery mechanisms to manage system failures gracefully.
Security
Data Protection: Protect sensitive data, including user information and catalog details, through encryption and secure access controls.
Authentication and Authorization: Implement secure authentication methods and role-based access control.
Compliance: Follow relevant standards and regulations for data protection and privacy.
Usability
User Interface: Design an intuitive and user-friendly interface for both staff and patrons.
Accessibility: Ensure the system is accessible to users with disabilities, following accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
Maintainability
Code Quality: Write high-quality, well-documented code to facilitate maintenance and updates.
Documentation: Provide comprehensive documentation for users and administrators, including user guides and system manuals.
Availability
Backup and Recovery: Implement regular data backups and establish procedures for data recovery in case of system failures.
Failover: Ensure the system can switch to backup systems or servers in case of primary system failure.
Portability
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure the system is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Supportability
Technical Support: Provide mechanisms for users to obtain support and resolve issues.
Error Reporting: Include functionality for users to report issues or bugs and track their resolution.
