Abstract
The DOBIS/LIBIS automated library system includes a highly sophisticated module to control automated circulation capable of using bar-code scanners. In order to use LIB IS module which deals with circulation, a library must have the materials with a potential for circulation in its local database and, if possible, be linked with the student and personnel databases of the university. The libraries in the Middle East using DOBIS/LIBIS need to Arabize LIBIS. These facilities were not yet available at King Abdulaziz University and it was very difficult to predict as to when these would be. Due to this reason, a local automated bilingual circulation system (ABCS) using personal computers local area network (LAN) was developed. The system is designed to be menu driven, reliable, simple to use with fully bilingual — Arabic and English — capabilities. The system also includes bar-code production and reliable backup facilities. Important features of the system are the development of the database as it circulates documents, its ease of use, reliability, its ability to produce a variety of statistics and its capability of linking with the DOBIS/LIBIS system.