LibraryToast

[Andrew]

Hey all,

Just a quick note to advise I'm learning PHP by designing a small PHP
based Library system, not sure what direction it will head in but
hopefully a positive one.

There's some great open source similar projects out there, but I'm not
a big fan of some of the interfaces or some lack of features - so
thought I'd give it a crack.

Anyway, the group is at http://groups.google.com/group/LibraryToast
I've just posted an intro message with a link to some screenshots (we
all love screenies) of what I've played around with so far.

[Andrew]

Website up and in-progress http://www.librarytoast.com

[ChrisKraus]

Is this going to have anything to do with that Odyssey library software you were working on?

- Chris

[Andrew]

Odyssey was started as a VB program, I just never had a chance to complete it. Now that I want to revisit the idea of a Library system, I've decided to have a go at writing it as a web-application using PHP and MySQL.

[ChrisKraus]

having it as a web-based app is an even better idea. No system requirements for the client/front desk stations, just some computer that can run a web browser.

- chris

[Andrew]

That's the major reason I'm having a go at it this way - also planning a hosted version, for those who aren't comfortable setting up a webserver, PHP, MySQL etc.

More screenshots coming...

[bdude]

if it's going to be PHP/MYSQL online then you are definately going to need some AJAX for the circulations screen.

I was a Library Helper at my old school and you wouldn't believe the volume of 'last minute' loans before lunch ended lol.

[Andrew]

I'm already learning some AJAX for this purpose, however I don't think it'll be a feature of LT for a while yet.

I also worked at the high school Library for 6 years, so yup - I know how things work from that point of view. Many a time, when my class was spending time in the Library, I often had to jump behind the desk to get my classmates checked out because the Librarian was busy.

[Andrew]

Update:

I've spent the afternoon scouring tutorials for using AJAX technology with PHP and MySQL - resulting in a catalogue search which displays the results as you type.

Hopefully I'll have some form of online demo of this shortly.

Updated Update:
I've made some changes on http://www.librarytoast.com - there are now direct links to the Google discussion group and Flickr.com screenshots.

Also, perhaps more interesting are two flash videos I've uploaded which demonstrate what I achieved in an afternoon of learning AJAX.

For those new to AJAX, it's a method - not a coding language, which retrieves or sends information in the background while your user is doing something else on your website. In this case, executing a search of the Library - as you type.

Go to http://www.librarytoast.com and click Demo Videos to see the videos.

[Dukane]

You do some great work Andrew

[Andrew]

Thanks Tim

[Andrew]

I've updated the website and am currently re-thinking the project. Trying to spend a little bit of time most days on either programming or planning, so no promises or dates right now.

From http://www.librarytoast.com you can view the wiki where I'm putting most of the ideas and technical info e.g. database structure. The wiki is read-only at the moment, however discussion is welcome at the Google Group http://groups.google.com/group/LibraryToast or email your post to LibraryToast@googlegroups.com

I've also updated the blog and expanded it a bit with a few posts on Web 2.0 projects such as LibraryThing.com (a very cool website for book lovers) and other related topics.

[lemon535]

does anyone know where i could fiind free library software?? I would like to catalogue m dvd's!

[Andrew]

does anyone know where i could fiind free library software?? I would like to catalogue m dvd's!

I don't know about software but online: http://www.librarything.com for books, and http://www.listal.com for almost anything (dvds, books, games etc).

[lemon535]