Library Management System in C

A console-based Library Management System developed in C language. Features include book management, student management, book issuance, returns, penalty calculation, and report generation.

Date: November 2025

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Overview

The Library Management System (LMS) is a console-based application written in C.
It helps manage books, students, and transactions while keeping data in text files.
Designed for small to medium-sized libraries, it is lightweight, simple, and efficient.

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Features

Admin Features

• Add, edit, delete, and search books
• Add and view student records
• Issue and return books
• Calculate, adjust, and clear penalties for overdue books
• Generate reports on issued books and student penalties

Student Features

• View personal account details, including issued books and penalties
• Search books by title or author
• Request book issuance if available
• Change personal password

Technical Highlights

• Modular programming with functions and structures
• Persistent storage using text files (books.txt, students.txt)
• Console-based, menu-driven interface
• Role-based access for Admin and Student
• Input validation and error handling

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Project Structure

• Library-Management-System/
  • main.c : Main program file
  • admin.c : Admin functionalities
  • student.c : Student functionalities
  • files.c : File Handling
  • library.h : Header file with structures and prototypes
  • books.txt : Persistent storage for books
  • students.txt : Persistent storage for students
  • README.md : Project documentation

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Requirements

• Programming Language: C (ANSI C)
• Compiler: GCC or any standard C compiler
• Operating System: Windows, Linux, or macOS
• IDE/Editor: Code::Blocks, Dev-C++, VS Code, or any text editor

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Block Diagram

How to Run

1. Clone the repository: git clone

2. Compile the program:

gcc main.c admin.c student.c -o LMS

3. Run the executable:

./LMS # Linux / macOS LMS.exe # Windows

4. Follow the menu to use Admin or Student functionalities.

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Output Screenshots

Main Menu

Admin Panel

Add Book

Add Student

Issue Book

Return Book

Penalty Report

Issue/Return Book Report

Search Book

Delete Book

Student Menu

My Account

Search Book

Change Password

Issue Book Report

Exit

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Limitations

• Text file storage limits scalability
• Basic password authentication for admin only
• Console-based interface (no GUI)
• Manual input required for book issuance and penalty updates
• Designed for up to ~100 books and students

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Future Enhancements

• Integrate relational database (MySQL, SQLite)
• Encrypted passwords and advanced authentication
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Automated penalty calculation
• Backup and recovery mechanisms
• Cloud-based or remote access

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References

1. Source code: library.h, main.c, admin.c, student.c, books.txt, students.txt
2. GeeksforGeeks – File Handling in C: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/file-handling-c-classes/
3. TutorialsPoint – C Programming – Data Structures: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cprogramming/c_data_structures.htm
4. W3Schools – C Language Basics: https://www.w3schools.com/c/
5. ANSI C Standard Documentation: https://www.iso-9899.info/
6. Stack Overflow – Implementing LMS in C

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License

opensource.org/licenses/MIT