LTA Technology and Automation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym 'OPAC' stand for in library technology?
- Online Public Access Catalog (Correct answer)
- Optical Print Archiving Center
- Open Protocol Access Control
- Organized Public Archive Collection
Correct answer: Online Public Access Catalog
OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog, the searchable database patrons use to find library materials.
Question 2: Which standard protocol is most commonly used for sharing bibliographic records between library systems?
- FTP
- Z39.50 (Correct answer)
- HTTP
- SMTP
Correct answer: Z39.50
Z39.50 is the ANSI/NISO standard protocol used for querying and retrieving bibliographic information between library systems.
Question 3: What is the purpose of batch processing in an integrated library system (ILS)?
- To catalog one item at a time manually
- To process multiple library tasks simultaneously or in bulk (Correct answer)
- To restrict patron access to digital resources
- To convert print collections to electronic format
Correct answer: To process multiple library tasks simultaneously or in bulk
Batch processing allows the ILS to run multiple operations—such as overdue notices or inventory updates—in bulk rather than one at a time.
Question 4: A library technician is setting up self-checkout kiosks. Which technology is the kiosk MOST likely using to read item barcodes?
- NFC
- Laser barcode scanner (Correct answer)
- Bluetooth
- QR code camera only
Correct answer: Laser barcode scanner
Self-checkout kiosks typically use laser barcode scanners to quickly and accurately read barcodes on library items.
Question 5: What is 'deduplication' in the context of library digital collections?
- Adding duplicate copies to increase availability
- Removing duplicate records or files to maintain a clean database (Correct answer)
- Creating backup copies of all digital files
- Merging two separate library catalogs
Correct answer: Removing duplicate records or files to maintain a clean database
Deduplication is the process of identifying and removing duplicate records or files to keep the catalog or digital repository accurate and efficient.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes an 'API' in the context of library software integrations?
- A printed manual for library staff procedures
- A set of protocols allowing different software systems to communicate (Correct answer)
- A physical port used to connect hardware peripherals
- An automated patron identification system
Correct answer: A set of protocols allowing different software systems to communicate
An API (Application Programming Interface) provides a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to exchange data and functionality.
Question 7: When a library migrates its ILS to a new platform, what is the FIRST critical step staff should take to protect data?
- Delete old records to start fresh
- Perform a full data backup of the existing system (Correct answer)
- Notify all patrons via email immediately
- Purchase new barcode scanners
Correct answer: Perform a full data backup of the existing system
A full data backup ensures all existing bibliographic, patron, and transaction records are preserved before any migration begins.
LTA Technology and Automation 2
What does the acronym 'OPAC' stand for in library technology?