Project Requirements

In this project, you will apply Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles in Python to develop an advanced Library Management System. This command-line-based application is designed to streamline the management of books and resources within a library. Your mission is to create a robust system that allows users to browse, borrow, return, and explore a collection of books while demonstrating your proficiency in OOP principles and the use of modules.

Enhanced User Interface (UI) and Menu:

Create an improved, user-friendly command-line interface (CLI) for the Library Management System with separate menus for each class of the system.

Welcome to the Library Management System!

Main Menu:
1. Book Operations
2. User Operations
3. Author Operations
4. Quit

Book Operations:

Book Operations:
1. Add a new book
2. Borrow a book
3. Return a book
4. Search for a book
5. Display all books

User Operations:

User Operations:
1. Add a new user
2. View user details
3. Display all users

Author Operations:

Author Operations:
1. Add a new author
2. View author details
3. Display all authors

Class Structure:

Implement a class structure that represents key entities in the library management system, including:
- Book: A class representing individual books with attributes such as title, author, ISBN, genre, publication date, and availability status.
- User: A class to represent library users with attributes like name, library ID, and a list of borrowed book titles.
- Author: A class representing book authors with attributes like name and biography.
- Consider a Library class that holds your book objects. This could also be where your driver code lives.

Encapsulation:

Apply encapsulation principles by defining private attributes and using getters and setters for necessary data access.

Inheritance and Polymorphism:

Utilize inheritance to create specialized book categories (e.g., Fiction, Non-fiction, Mystery) that inherit common properties and methods from the base Book class. Overload methods as needed in the subclasses.

Modules:

Organize your code into modules to promote code organization and maintainability. Create separate modules for classes, user interactions, and error handling.

Utilize the input() function within the appropriate menus to enable users to interact with the CLI and select menu options.
Implement input validation using regular expressions (regex) to ensure the correct formatting of user input. (Bonus)

Error Handling:

Implement error handling using try, except, else, and finally blocks to manage potential issues gracefully, such as incorrect user input or file operations.

GitHub Repository:

Create a GitHub repository for your project and commit code regularly.
Maintain a clean and interactive README.md file in your GitHub repository, providing clear instructions on how to run the application and explanations of its features.
Include a link to your GitHub repository in your project documentation.

Optional Bonus Points

Text File Handling (Bonus): Implement text file handling to load and save data for various entities in the library management system, such as books, users, authors, and genres. Create dedicated text files for each entity type and develop methods to read data from these files during system startup and save data to them when changes occur. Ensure data integrity and error handling during file operations.
Reservation System (Bonus): Enhance the system by implementing a reservation system. Users can reserve books that are currently unavailable, and the system will notify them when the book becomes available. Develop methods to handle reservations, check availability, and notify users of reservation status changes.
Fine Calculation (Bonus): Implement a fine calculation system for overdue books. Assign due dates to borrowed books, and calculate fines for users who exceed the due date. Develop a mechanism for users to pay fines and update their accounts accordingly.

Submission

Upon completing the project, submit your code, including all source code files, and the README.md file in your GitHub repository to your instructor or designated platform.

Project Tips

Begin by designing a class hierarchy that represents the library's structure and entities.
Test your code iteratively as you implement each feature to identify and address any potential bugs or issues.
Collaborate with peers, seek assistance, and remember that learning is a collaborative effort.

Conclusion

By successfully completing this project, you will not only enhance your Python programming skills but also create a sophisticated Library Management System that demonstrates your mastery of Object-Oriented Programming principles and effective code organization. Get ready to build a digital haven for book enthusiasts and embark on this exciting coding journey!

Happy coding! 📚🔍🖥️

Module 4: Mini-Project | Library Management System