How to Write Test Cases for Library Management Systems?

If you have a vast library with hundreds and thousands of books, managing them could be a tedious task if done manually in a register. Even when automated, there are chances of oversight if the librarian does not understand the system well or the system itself comes with faults. In all this, you can repair the former by providing the right assistance to the user and fix the latter by carefully and thoroughly running the right list of test cases for library management systems.

We bring you the library management system test cases that will guide you through the software testing.

What is a Library Management System?

A Library Management System is a software application designed to automate and streamline library operations and services. It helps librarians and library staff manage tasks such as cataloging, circulation, patron management, acquisitions, and reporting. 

Library Management Systems typically include features for cataloging library materials, tracking borrowing and returns, managing patron accounts, generating reports, and facilitating online access to library resources. These systems are mostly web-based and require an automated web application testing approach.

A popular example of a Library Management System is Koha, an open-source library automation system used by libraries worldwide to manage their collections, circulation, and patron services efficiently. Koha allows librarians to catalog and classify library materials, track item availability, manage patron accounts, and provide online access to library resources through a user-friendly interface.

Why Test a Library Management System?

Testing a Library Management System is essential to ensure its functionality, reliability, and usability. These systems play a critical role in managing library operations and providing services to patrons. 

Testing helps identify and resolve defects, errors, and inconsistencies in the system, ensuring accurate cataloging, efficient circulation, secure patron transactions, and seamless access to library resources. Additionally, you can verify compliance with requirements, standards, and regulations, ensuring that the Library Management System meets the needs and expectations of library staff and patrons.

Let’s look at some basic functions of the system that you would need to test.

Basic Functionality In The Library Management System

Once you have a list of functional test cases and non-functional test cases, you can combine them to form the list of basic test cases. So, for that, let’s look at the basic functionality of Library Management Systems.

• User Registration and Authentication: Users should be able to register for an account with the Library Management System. Authentication mechanisms should be in place to ensure secure access to user accounts.
• Cataloging and Inventory Management: The system should allow librarians to catalog library materials such as books, journals, DVDs, etc. It should also manage the inventory by tracking the availability, location, and status of each item.
• Borrowing and Lending: Users should be able to borrow library materials using their account. The system should manage loan periods, due dates, and renewals. Librarians should be able to check out and check in items efficiently.
• User Management: Librarians should have the ability to manage user accounts, including adding new users, updating user information, and handling user requests such as password resets or account deactivation.
• Search and Discovery: Users should be able to search for library materials by title, author, subject, or keywords. The system should provide accurate search results and allow users to refine their searches.
• Reservations and Holds: Users should have the option to place holds or reservations on items that are currently checked out. The system should notify users when reserved items become available for pickup.
• Fines and Fees Management: The system should calculate fines or fees for overdue items and manage payments from users. It should generate alerts for users with outstanding fines and provide options for payment.
• Reporting and Analytics: The system should generate reports on library usage, circulation statistics, inventory levels, and other relevant metrics. These reports can help librarians make informed decisions about collection management and resource allocation.
• Communication and Notifications: The system should facilitate communication between users and librarians through messaging or notification features. Users should receive alerts for due dates, overdue items, reservation statuses, and other important updates.
• Accessibility and Usability: The system should be user-friendly and accessible to users of all abilities. It should comply with accessibility standards and provide options for customization to meet individual user preferences.

Test Cases For Library Management System

Here comes the part we all have been looking forward to—test cases for library management systems. Let’s look at some basic and advanced test cases types you should create and run for such software. 

Don’t forget to look into test management tools that provide an extra layer of support to your testing efforts while you run these tests.

Login Interface

• Verify that the login page is accessible.
• Verify that the username and password fields are present.
• Check that the “Login” button is present.
• Test that a user can successfully login with valid credentials.
• Verify that an error message is displayed for invalid login attempts.
• Validate that the “Forgot Password” link is functional.
• Test that the “Create Account” link is functional.
• Test that the system redirects to the appropriate page after successful login.
• Verify that the system displays appropriate error messages for missing credentials.
• Ensure if the system allows logged in users to login again using the right credentials.

Login functions work almost in a similar manner on every platform. Check out our blog for an elaborate list of test cases for login functionality you can apply here as well.

User Account Interface

• Verify that user profile information is displayed correctly upon successful login.
• Verify that users can update their profile information.
• Check if the users can change their password within the account settings.
• Check that users can view their borrowing history.
• Verify that users can view their fines and fees status.
• Ensure that users can renew borrowed books and the system updates this information automatically.
• Test if the users can place holds or requests for books.
• Test that users can pay fines and fees online if they are late on returning a book
• Verify if the users can request to extend the book return deadline through their account.
• Verify that users can logout from their account.
• Verify that users receive appropriate notifications for overdue books or holds.
• Validate if the users can renew their library card or any other form of membership through the account.

Book Issue Interface

• Verify that librarians can search for books by title, author, or ISBN and get the right information displayed.
• Verify that librarians can view detailed book information.
• Check if the librarians can check the availability of books based on its status.
• Validate that librarians can issue books to users.
• Validate that librarians can set due dates for issued books.
• Check that librarians can generate and print receipts for book issues.
• Check that librarians can handle holds or requests for books.
• Test that librarians can override issue limits or restrictions.
• Verify that librarians can handle special cases such as lost or damaged books.
• Verify that the system updates inventory and user records accurately after book issuance.
• Test if librarians receive notifications for overdue books and requests raised from user accounts.
• Test if the staff members have complete admin access.

Book Return Interface

• Verify that users can select and initiate the book return process.
• Check if the users can view return due dates for borrowed books.
• Check that users receive notifications for overdue book returns.
• Test that users can return multiple books in a single transaction.
• Test that users can pay fines or fees associated with late returns.
• Check that the system updates user records accurately after book returns.
• Check that the system updates book availability status after returns.
• Verify that users receive confirmation of successful book returns.
• Verify that users receive reminders for pending book returns.
• Ensure that users cannot return books that are already returned.
• Test that users receive a confirmation prompt before completing the return process.
• Test that the return process is logged in the system for auditing purposes.
• Ensure that users receive notifications for successful book returns.
• Verify that users can provide feedback or comments during the return process.
• Test that the returned books are correctly shelved or sorted back into inventory.
• Verify that users can view their complete borrowing history, including returned books.

Search Functionality Test Cases for Library Management System

Another one of the important features of the Library Management System is the search functionality. Let’s look at some of the test cases for the search functionality you can create and run.

• Verify that users can search for books by title, by author, and by ISBN.
• Test that users can search for books by category or genre.
• Test if the users can perform an advanced search with multiple criteria and filters.
• Check if the search results are displayed accurately and relevantly.
• Verify that users receive the right notification or feedback for no search results found.
• Test if the search functionality is case-insensitive.
• Check that the search functionality supports partial or wildcard searches.
• Test if a blank search provides an appropriate message.

Resources Inventory Test Cases for Library Management System

Let’s look at the resources inventory test cases for the Library Management System:

• Test that the inventory includes all available books in the library.
• Test that each book in the inventory has accurate metadata (title, author, ISBN, etc.).
• Check if the inventory accurately reflects the availability status of each book (available, checked out, on hold, etc.).
• Verify that the inventory is updated in real-time when books are added or removed.
• Verify that the inventory is organized logically by categories, genres, or sections.
• Ensure that the inventory includes non-book resources such as DVDs, CDs, or magazines.
• Ensure that the inventory management system supports bulk updates or imports.
• Check that librarians can easily locate and access items in the inventory.
• Check if the inventory system generates accurate reports on stock levels, usage, and trends.
• Verify that the inventory system integrates with other library management modules seamlessly.

Non-Functional Test Cases for Library Management System

• Check if the system performance meets acceptable response times for search queries.
• Check if the system can handle concurrent user loads without degradation in performance.
• Verify that the system is accessible and usable for users with disabilities (ADA compliance).
• Verify that the system is secure and protects sensitive user data from unauthorized access or breaches.
• Test if the system is scalable and can accommodate future growth in users or resources.
• Check if the system is reliable and minimizes downtime or disruptions in service.
• Check if the system is compatible with different web browsers and devices.
• Verify that the system meets regulatory compliance requirements for data privacy and security.
• Verify that the system provides adequate logging and auditing capabilities for monitoring user activity.
• Ensure that the system is user-friendly and intuitive, requiring minimal training for users.
• Verify that the system complies with data protection regulations such as GDPR.
• Ensure that the system supports multiple languages for international users.
• Ensure that the system provides adequate error handling and graceful degradation under load.
• Verify that the system’s UI is responsive and renders correctly on various screen sizes and resolutions.
• Verify that the system’s performance is consistent across different network conditions (e.g., low bandwidth).

Conclusion

A Library Management System relies heavily on proper functioning to keep the students/users aligned with the librarians and staff members. The right testing of such systems ensures that the library functions smoothly without delays in book issuance or returns. And if any issues arrive, the system is equipped with the right mechanisms to deal with them appropriately.

An end-to-end testing of the Library Management System is necessary when you think about the consequences of faults. Choose an automated testing approach to get the optimum output in less time.

Checkout how Testsigma can support your testing efforts with automation.[Try for free]

Frequently Asked Questions

How to create a test plan document for a Library Management System?

To create a test plan document for a library management system, start by defining the objectives, scope, and testing approach. Identify test scenarios, including functional and non-functional requirements, user interactions, and system integrations. Specify testing techniques, resources, and responsibilities. Detail test schedules, milestones, and deliverables. Finally, include risk management strategies, mitigation plans, and acceptance criteria to ensure thorough testing and successful system deployment.