Introduction :

The Library Management System is a web-based application developed to simplify and automate the day-to-day operations of a library. It streamlines the process of managing books, issuing and returning them, maintaining member records, and tracking book inventory in a fast and efficient manner.

Project Objective:

To develop a centralized platform where:

• Admins/Librarians can manage books, members, categories, and issue/return records.

• Students/Members can log in, search for books, and request to borrow them.

• The system ensures easy tracking of issued books, due dates, and penalties for late returns.

User Roles & Functionalities:

1. Admin/Librarian

• Login to admin dashboard

• Add/edit/delete books, authors, categories

• Register new students/members

• Issue and return books

• Generate reports (issued, available, overdue)

• Manage book inventory and availability

2. Student/Member

• Register or login to member portal

• Search for books by title, author, or category

• View book availability status

• Request to borrow books

• View issued books and due dates

• Receive alerts for overdue books (optional email)

Core Modules Explained:

Authentication Module

• Secure login for both admin and members

• Role-based access control

• Registration form for student/member users

Book Management

• Admin adds/edit/delete books with details like:

  • Title, Author, ISBN, Category, Quantity

• Upload book cover image (optional)

• Inventory updates automatically on issue/return

Member Management

• Admin can add, edit, or delete member records

• Maintain student ID, name, email, and issue history

• Limit the number of books a member can borrow

Issue/Return Management

• Admin can issue books to members

• Return books with auto-fine calculation for late returns

• Show list of all issued and returned books

• Set return deadline (e.g., 7 or 14 days)

Search & Filter Books

• Search bar with filters by category, title, or author

• Display book details and availability status

• Highlight if book is currently issued or in stock

Reports and Logs

• Admin can view reports on:

  • Total books

  • Currently issued books

  • Overdue books

  • Member-wise issue logs

• Option to export data to PDF or Excel (optional)

User Interface Features:

• Responsive and modern interface using Bootstrap

• Easy-to-navigate menus and modals

• Tabular data display with sorting and pagination

• Use of alert boxes for success, error, and warnings

System Workflow:

1. Admin logs in

   • Adds books and categories

   • Registers new members

2. Student logs in

   • Searches for books

   • Requests issue

3. Admin issues books

   • Due date assigned

   • System updates stock

4. Return process

   • Admin marks book as returned

   • Fine calculated if overdue

5. Reports

   • Admin generates reports of issued/returned/overdue books

 Benefits of the System:

• Reduces manual workload for librarians

• Prevents data loss through digital recordkeeping

• Improves book tracking and reduces loss

• Helps students find and request books faster

• Simplifies overdue tracking and fine calculation