Library Management System Using MERN Stack

Project Overview

The Library Management System Using MERN Stack is a web-based application designed to simplify and digitize everyday library operations. It provides a centralized platform where administrators can manage books, members and borrowing transactions, while members can browse the book catalogue and track their issued books.

The application is developed using MongoDB, Express.js, React.js and Node.js. It includes separate Admin and Member roles, JWT-based authentication, book availability management and a responsive user interface. The system helps reduce manual recordkeeping and organizes library information in one place.

Available Features

1. User Authentication

• Member registration and login.
• JWT-based authentication.
• Password hashing using bcrypt.
• Role-based access for administrators and members.

2. Admin Dashboard

• View library statistics.
• Manage books and member accounts.
• Monitor borrowing activities.
• Review active and overdue loans.

3. Book Management

• Add, update and delete book records.
• Store book titles, authors, ISBNs and categories.
• Maintain book quantities and availability information.
• Search and filter the book catalogue.
• Validate duplicate ISBNs and other invalid requests.

4. Member Management

• Create and manage member accounts.
• Update member information.
• Deactivate accounts when required.
• Review member borrowing activity.

5. Book Issue and Return

• Record book borrowing transactions.
• Maintain issue dates, due dates and return dates.
• Update available book quantities when books are issued or returned.
• Prevent borrowing when no copies are available.

6. Member Dashboard

• Browse the available book catalogue.
• Search for books by their details.
• Borrow available titles.
• View current loans and previous transactions.
• Check due dates and overdue books.
• View and update personal profile information.

7. Overdue Tracking

The application identifies active borrowing transactions whose due dates have passed. This helps administrators monitor overdue books and members review their outstanding loans.

8. Transaction History

Borrowing records include active and completed transactions. Administrators and members can review relevant transaction information according to their access permissions.

9. Input Validation and Error Handling

The system validates requests and handles conditions such as unavailable books, duplicate ISBNs and invalid transactions. These checks help maintain consistent library records.

10. Responsive Interface

The React-based interface is designed to work across desktop and mobile screen sizes, making library information accessible through modern web browsers.

Administrator Workspace

Administrators can access the Admin Dashboard to manage book records, update quantities, maintain member accounts, deactivate members and monitor borrowing activity. They can also review library statistics and identify active or overdue loans.

Member Workspace

Members can register, sign in, browse available books, search the catalogue and borrow available titles. Their workspace provides access to current loans, previous transactions, due dates and profile management.

Book Availability Management

The application maintains available book quantities as borrowing and return transactions are processed. Availability checks help prevent a book from being borrowed when no copies remain available.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: React.js, JavaScript and CSS
• Frontend Build Tool: Vite
• Backend: Node.js and Express.js
• Database: MongoDB
• ODM: Mongoose
• Authentication: JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
• Password Security: bcrypt
• API: REST API
• Development Environment: Visual Studio Code

Software Requirements

• Node.js and npm
• MongoDB Community Server or MongoDB Atlas
• Visual Studio Code
• A modern web browser
• Internet access for installing dependencies

Installation Guide

Extract the project ZIP file and open the project folder in Visual Studio Code. Configure the backend environment variables, install the backend and frontend dependencies, create the administrator account and start both development servers.

Configure the Backend

cd backend
copy .env.example .env

Update the .env file with your MongoDB connection and secure administrator credentials. Ensure MongoDB is running before starting the backend.

Install and Start the Backend

npm install
npm run create-admin
npm run dev

Install and Start the Frontend

Open a second terminal in the project folder and run:

cd frontend
npm install
npm run dev

The backend normally runs at http://localhost:5000, while Vite normally serves the frontend at http://localhost:5173. Keep both terminals running while using the application.

More Details and Full Documentation

View Library Management System Using MERN Stack Details