library-system

A library management system which has functions for checking in books, returning books and recommendation of books for users. The GUI is robust and provides adequate functionality for basic functions.

Database Tables: Book_Info, Loan_History, Overdue_Books and Image_Data. Text Files: Loan_History.txt (100 transactions) and Book_Info.txt.

1. Functionality guide:
   1. To start the application, one would have to run the python module: python menu.py.
   2. After starting the application, three tabs would be present: Book Checkout, Book Return, Recommendations.
   3. To begin working with the application, one would have to input the member ID and respective book ID which would then checkout the book in the Book_Info table and insert into the Loan_History table as a transaction.
   4. Once checkout is completed, the user can then return the book by inputting the respective BookID in the book return tab.
   5. Users can also check the recommendations tab where recommendations will be provided based on Genre.
   6. To exit the application, close the window respectively.
2. Elements that could be improved and do not work:
   1. Checkout validation is not present in the application, through interpretation if a bookID is inputted and not present in the Book_Info table, this will still add as a transaction in the Loan_History but will not change the memberID in the Book_Info table.
   2. Overall GUI design could be made more presentable and pleaseing to the eyes.
   3. The calculation of book fines and overdue days could be better suited or placed if done in the bookCharge python module instead of a direct SQL query.
   4. Labels or Messageboxes could be used to show once button is clicked for better readability and understanding.
   5. Recommendations logic function has not been implemented. However, a matplotlib graph has just been shown.
   6. Once the book is checked out and then returned, the CurrentLoanStatus column of Book_Info will not be changed back to 0. However, can be issued again and then replaced with a new MemberID.
3. Problems faced:
   1. Time management.
   2. Coursework specification understanding.
   3. Unique bugs/errors.