Senayan Library Management System (SLiMS) is open source integrated library management software developed by Indonesian Library Community in 2007, about 17 versions of SLiMS have been released. It is licensed under the GPL v3. The web application developed by a team from the Center for Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of National Education Republic of Indonesia was built using PHP , database MySQL , and version control Git . In 2009 , Senayan won INAICTA2009 for the open source category. A total of 250 thousand more times the program has been downloaded.
Senayan has now developed far. It not only displays book data, but can also display images, sound, electronic books, and even videos. Hendro and his team are also developing so that each Senayan user server can “talk” to each other, so that later a gate can be built to find book data in the network that can browse all catalogs. “Later there will be a gate so that the search for books is only through one site. source wikipedia
History and Features of SLIMS
SLIMS was first launched in 2006 as an open-source library management solution for Indonesian libraries. SLIMS was created by a library and developer community for better accessibility for the library patrons.
One of the user-friendly features of SLIMS is that it has a simple slide for navigation for the library patrons and library staff. SLIMS allows multi-access users to collaborate.
Another cool aspect of the SLIMS system is circulation management, which allows library managers to lend books more efficiently and more streamline to library patrons.
The reporting tools help users produce data on how the library was used. Together, these features mean the SLIMS system is not just versatile, but can be modified for many different library environments across the globe.
Advantages of SLIMS for Libraries
SLIMS has many advantages that help library systems improve. The interface is simple, and staff and patrons can easily operate the system, which means that training time is very limited.
The system helps improve cataloging, and libraries can easily maintain their collections and keep their titles accurate and accessible. This helps to improve the experience patrons get.
The circulation capability also helps to enhance the lending process, especially when checkouts and returns are involved. The patrons get served quickly to boost their satisfaction.
The strong reporting function that SLIMS has helps the librarian to have the right data about how the library was used and how the books performed, so that further purchases can be guided.
Moreover, being an open-source system means there is lots of collaboration to improve the system and how libraries can use it.
The Installation and Setting up of SLIMS
The first step to installing SLIMS is to get it from the system’s home page. The installation process is simple to follow.
Make sure that your server meets the system’s requirements of having PHP, MySQL, and an Apache server before installation.
Now, create a directory on your server and unzip the files you downloaded. Then create a MySQL database for SLIMS. You can do this via phpMyAdmin or any database management tool you prefer.
Now that we’ve done that, go to your web browser and type in the URL for the installation. Follow the instructions on the screen. You will probably need to enter your database information and create an admin account for easy future access.
Now that you have successfully configured everything, you can adjust other settings in line with your library’s objectives. You can add branches or change the rules that govern the circulation of books. If you have all the needed materials, the entire process can take a few minutes.
Slims an overview: