Library Management System

The local library aims to modernize its operations by implementing a Library Management System $($LMS$).$ Currently, library members visit the library to borrow and return books, and the library staff manually manages the book inventory. The new LMS will allow library members to perform various tasks online, reducing the need for staff involvement and enhancing the overall efficiency of library operations.

In the proposed Library Management System, members can access a website to become library members, search the book inventory $($by title, author, genre, publication year, or ISBN$),$ and manage their membership information. The LMS website also enables members to first log in and then search the book inventory, borrow books $($books must be available at the library branch selected by the member$),$ renew borrowed books, and$/$or return books. Members can view and pay any outstanding fines online, as borrowing is restricted for members with overdue fines.

The payment for fines and book rentals is processed through the credit card information provided during the membership application. A transaction history is accessible to members, displaying details such as borrowed books, due dates, and associated charges. The system generates a borrowing receipt for each transaction, listing book details and due dates.

Overdue notices are automatically emailed to members one day before a book is due, with subsequent reminders every three days after the due date. If a book is not returned $30$ days after the due date, a charge of $$5\mathrm{.}00$ is processed on the member's credit card, and an email notification is sent.

The loan period for books is $14$ days. Books not picked up within $24$ hours of reservation are returned to available inventory, but reservation charges are not refunded.

The library wants to streamline its book inventory management. When new books are acquired, each book has a unique identifier $($ISBN$)$ on its cover. The librarian can scan the ISBN to retrieve book information from a central database via the Internet. The system automatically updates the library's inventory with details such as title, author, genre, publication year, and availability. The librarian can also remove books from the inventory due to lack of popularity or damage by scanning the books' ISBNs.

Note on loan fees: The loan fee varies based on the type of book. Fiction and non$-$fiction books have a loan fee of $$1\mathrm{.}50,$ while reference books have a fee of $$2\mathrm{.}00.$ The system allows for categorizing books into these types.