Best Starting Point for a Uncatalogued Library

I have recently been put in charge of developing a school library. Until this point, the school has not had a library, nor do they have much funding for resources etc. I am not a librarian so have little to no knowledge of electronic cataloging systems (so am a bit out of my depth).

I have joined the SLA and have organised the collection into a basic system ie. alphabetical order for the fiction section, reference for dictionaries etc, non-fiction by subject. It is at the point now though that we have to put in place an electronic borrowing system and I have no idea where to start. I have tried the old paper borrowing card system but I feel I could ask for a small amount of money for funding from the PTA for an electronic system. Does anyone have any suggestions of some basic software systems that I could use to create a catalogue and borrowing system or the name of a company who provides library equipment such as security system for the books (cards, barcodes, scanning equipment etc).

I would really appreciate any help or advice anyone could give.

Louise

school-libraries

Comments

Jeni: I've started and deleted several answers and think it would be helpful if you added more information: size of school, size of collection so far, what do you mean by "old paper borrowing card system" (circulation cards, pockets, date due cards?). Is the school connected to any others
will there be lending / borrowing between schools?
Jeni: Also, read http://libraries.stackexchange.com/questions/545/what-are-good-free-or-cheap-cataloging-systems-for-personal-or-small-library-us?rq=1
Wowbagger: I've done the same thing as Jeni, but have a different question: What kind of technology and technology support do you have?

Answer by Heather Maneiro

I was in a very small private school that also got PTA funding to automate. They went with L4U (the decision was made and partially implemented before I started). I found the software extremely easy to use - I started after the previous librarian left with no overlap (and thus no training). I would recommend checking out their web page (http://www.l4u.com/) and asking for a quote.

You may also want to check with your state and district librarians. Many states and districts have consortium purchasing for software and grants to assist with automation.