+44 (0) 1273 386849The benefits of AutoCat in Simple Little Library System
AutoCat is an automated cataloguing tool that saves librarians time by automatically importing bibliographic data and book cover images into their library management system. Instead of typing each detail manually, you can simply scan an ISBN and AutoCat retrieves complete, accurate records — including author, title, publisher, publication date, and even summaries or abstracts — from trusted library databases.
Designed for all libraries, AutoCat makes library cataloguing faster, easier, and more accurate, so new books appear in your catalogue within minutes. Because the system does the detailed work for you, librarians, information managers, volunteers, and teacher librarians can focus on supporting readers and developing collections rather than data entry.
This article explains how AutoCat works and why automated cataloguing software is transforming how small libraries manage their collections.
AutoCat's features and capabilities
AutoCat searches external catalogues and automatically creates both a catalogue record and a copy. It draws from a wide range of authoritative data sources – free unless otherwise noted – including:
- Accelerated Reader – Great for schools! Available to Accelerated Reader subscribers only.
- German National Bibliography – Great for German language titles.
- Google Books – A worldwide collection of titles.
- ISBN Database – Contains over 40 million titles with ISBNS.
- Library of Congress – Contains over 20 million catalog records for books, serials, manuscripts, maps, music, recordings, images, and electronic resources in the Library of Congress collections.
- Open Library
- National Library of Scotland – Contains over 60 million print and digital items in their collections.
- Trinity College Dublin – The largest library in Ireland.
- Wildy’s Bookshop – Great for law libraries with an extensive collection of legal titles.
In the configuration area of your library management system like for example Simple Little Library System you can decide which sources you prefer to use for downloading catalogue data, and the order in which they are searched.
Not all sources include images, so AutoCat is designed to create a catalogue record by combining the bibliographic data from one source and the image from another source where necessary. So, we also give you control over the sources used for fetching images of the book front cover.
Integrating with Simple Little Library System
AutoCat is built directly into the Cataloguing module of the Simple Little Library System (SLLS), fitting naturally into your existing workflow. Beyond saving time, it reduces the risk of human error — ensuring that every record is accurate, consistent, and easy to find.
Adding a new title takes just a few steps:
- Scan or type the book’s ISBN.
- Select “download” or choose a preferred data source.
- AutoCat creates the record, adds an image, and generates copies.
You can then review the record, adjust classification numbers or subjects if needed, and AutoCat will automatically check for duplicates — offering to add new copies to existing titles instead. For schools or organisations adding multiple copies at once, AutoCat can process them all in a single flow.
AutoCat also enriches catalogue entries with summaries and abstracts, helping library users make more informed choices and improving overall search and discovery.
Saving time with AutoCat
One of the greatest benefits of AutoCat is the dramatic reduction in cataloguing time. Traditional cataloguing requires librarians to manually enter bibliographic details, summarise contents, and classify materials – a process that’s both time-consuming and labour-intensive.
AutoCat automates this process by swiftly downloading catalogue data, cover images, and supplementary information. New materials are catalogued and available to users within minutes, keeping your library collection current and engaging.
By removing the need for repetitive data entry, AutoCat’s library automation tools allow librarians to focus on high-value activities such as helping users, organising events, and developing reading programmes. It also makes it easier to manage large acquisitions or busy cataloguing periods, keeping library services smooth and uninterrupted.
In short, AutoCat streamlines cataloguing from start to finish – increasing accuracy, speed, and consistency while freeing up time for librarians to do what they do best.
Prospects for future enhancements
The future of AutoCat is bright. We’re continually expanding the range of bibliographic sources available for data and image retrieval, and exploring integration with e-book and digital content providers to ensure AutoCat supports all formats of library materials.
Emerging technologies may enable more advanced algorithms for data retrieval, offering even richer records with less effort. Additional customisation options could allow libraries to tailor AutoCat’s settings further, adapting it precisely to their workflows and needs.
These developments will continue to strengthen AutoCat’s role as an indispensable part of library automation – helping every library, large or small, build a smarter, more efficient catalogue.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is AutoCat?
AutoCat is an automated cataloguing tool that streamlines the process of adding new resources to a library catalogue. It retrieves bibliographic data, cover images, and summaries from authoritative sources, reducing manual data entry and saving librarians valuable time.
2. How does AutoCat work?
AutoCat allows librarians to scan or type an ISBN, which then searches multiple external databases for bibliographic information. It automatically creates a catalogue record, including title, author, publisher, and a book cover image, ensuring consistency and accuracy in library collections.
3. What sources does AutoCat use for retrieving bibliographic data?
AutoCat pulls data from several trusted sources, including:
- Library of Congress
- Google Books
- JISC Library Hub Discover
- ISBN Database
- Open Library
- National Library of Scotland
- Trinity College Dublin
- Wildy’s Bookshop (for legal titles)
- And more…
4. Can AutoCat prevent duplicate catalogue records?
Yes! AutoCat automatically checks if a title already exists in the library catalogue. If it does, it offers to add additional copies to the existing record instead of creating a duplicate.
5. Does AutoCat support multiple copies of the same book?
Yes, AutoCat allows users to add multiple copies of a book in a single step, making it especially useful for schools, academic institutions, and workplace libraries that require multiple copies of the same title.
6. How does AutoCat improve efficiency for librarians?
By automating cataloguing, AutoCat significantly reduces manual effort, minimises human error, and speeds up the process of adding new materials to the library system. This allows librarians to focus on more critical tasks like user support, community engagement, and library programme development.
7. Can I choose which sources AutoCat uses?
Yes, AutoCat provides configuration options, allowing users to select preferred sources for bibliographic data and book cover images. This flexibility ensures libraries can customise their cataloguing process based on their needs.
8. Does AutoCat work with digital content and e-books?
Currently, AutoCat focuses on physical books, but future updates may include integrations with e-book and digital content providers to enhance its capabilities.
9. Is AutoCat available for all libraries?
AutoCat is part of the Simple Little Library System and is ideal for small libraries in schools, businesses, prisons, and other institutions that require an efficient and user-friendly cataloguing solution.
10. How can I get started with AutoCat?
AutoCat is built into the Cataloguing module of Simple Little Library System. If you are a user, you can enable it in your system settings and configure your preferred data sources. If you are new to the system, contact Simple Little Library System for more information or a free trial.