Library Management System

A comprehensive database-driven application for managing a library's operations, including member management, book inventory, borrowing, and employee tracking.

Overview

This Library Management System provides a complete solution for libraries to:

• Manage book inventory and copies
• Track member information and borrowing history
• Handle employee records and assignments
• Process book issues and returns
• Manage publishers and suppliers

System Requirements

• Python 3.7+
• MySQL Server
• Web browser (for future frontend integration)

Installation and Setup

1. Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/aryanpola/library-management-system.git
cd library-management-system

2. Install required dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Set up the database

Update the database credentials in create_database.py, populate_database.py, and sever.py if needed:

host="localhost"
user="root"
password="your-password"

4. Create database schema

python create_database.py

5. Populate the database with sample data

python populate_database.py

6. Start the Flask server

python sever.py

The API server will start on http://localhost:5000

Database Structure

The system uses the following tables:

• Employee: Staff information and hierarchy
• Member: Library members and their details
• Books: Book catalog information
• book_copies: Individual copies of each book
• Publisher: Book publisher information
• Supplier: Book supplier details
• Issues: Book borrowing records
• Borrowed_by: Relationship between members and issued books

API Endpoints

Members

• GET /members - List all members
• POST /members - Add a new member
• GET /members/books/<member_id> - Get books issued to a member

Books

• GET /books - List all books
• POST /books - Add a new book

Issues

• POST /issue_book - Issue a book to a member

Project Structure

• create_database.py: Creates the MySQL database and tables
• populate_database.py: Seeds the database with sample data using Faker
• sever.py: Flask API server with endpoints
• requirements.txt: Python package dependencies

Database Features

The system implements:

• Stored procedures for common operations
• Triggers to:
  • Check book availability before issuance
  • Verify member has no outstanding fines
  • Update book availability status automatically

Usage Examples

Adding a new member

curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/members \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"member_ID":"MEM123456","first_name":"John","last_name":"Doe","city":"New York"}'

Issuing a book

curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/issue_book \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"member_id":"MEM123456","copy_id":"CP123"}'

Future Enhancements ToDo

• Frontend user interface
• Book return functionality
• Fine calculation and payment system
• Search functionality
• Reports and analytics dashboard