Recently I’ve been taking the very good CodeCademy course on the Python programming language. I’m doing this for several reasons. A number of my colleagues use Python, and I’ve been using their code and libraries. Knowing what I’m doing might be a good idea. Also, Python seems to be more of the language of choice […]
Newport News PL Launches Open Source Usage Software
By on April 15, 2014
Virginia’s Newport News Public Library System (NNPLS) launched StatBase, an open-source usage statistics program that enables libraries to track and visualize data on circulation, patron registration, door counts, reference, acquisitions, instructor-led courses, and more. The application is available as a free download on SourceForge.
Putting the Pieces Together | Library Systems Landscape
By on April 10, 2014
This first edition of Library Systems Landscape, the successor to LJ’s annual Automation Marketplace feature, will examine how library systems are currently evolving, specifically focusing on recent advances in ebook integration, the emergence of next-generation library services platforms (LSP), new tools that are expanding the boundaries of what library websites and catalogs can do, and the maturation of open source options as competitors to commercial products.
Open Source Options | Library Systems Landscape
By on April 10, 2014
Led by Koha and Evergreen, open source ILS solutions continued to demonstrate steady growth in 2013. These systems appeal to libraries for a variety of reasons. Unlike commercial ILS products, open source code can be accessed and altered by anyone with the expertise, enabling libraries to conduct or outsource priority development work on their own schedule, rather than wait for their requests to wend their way through a vendor’s queue.
Library Systems Landscape: Company Profiles
By on April 10, 2014
Profiles of library systems vendors including Auto-Graphics Inc, Axiell Group, BiblioCommons, Biblionix, ByWater Solutions, EBSCO Information Services, Equinox Software, Ex Libris Group, Follett Software Company, Innovative Interfaces Inc., LibLime, The Library Corporation, Mandarin Library Automation, OCLC, Polaris Library Systems, ProQuest, SirsiDynix, and VTLS Inc.
A Paean to the Filesystem
By on April 9, 2014
pae·an – : a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph – Merriam-Webster I returned from the Code4Lib Conference recently chock-full of things I want to investigate. I was also reminded about just how much I love the Unix filesystem. Yes, really. I’ve long thought that the simplest solution to a problem is […]
The Thing About Programming
By on March 19, 2014
Sometimes I’m shocked to realize that I’ve been writing software for over 30 years — longer than some of my younger colleagues have even been alive. And people who know my code are shocked as well, that so much time could pass and my code still sucks. But I have an excuse: programming does not […]
Cool Tools for Featuring Student Book Reviews
By on February 3, 2014
There’s nothing like a book recommendation from a friend. Encourage students to share their opinions by creating a student-driven book review site. Richard Byrne shows you how in the accompanying screencasts.
Creature Feature: Fanciful Characters Drove this Transmedia Story
By on December 17, 2013
In an ambitious foray into transmedia, Razorbill has teamed with the special effects company Framestore to produce The Creature Department (2013). The making of the new novel by Robert Paul Weston, starring a cast of fantastical characters, was a unique collaboration—with Framestore playing an active role in the book’s creation.
