Code4Lib2010 Notes from Day 2, afternoon
A better advanced search
http://searchworks.stanford.edu
How to filter multiple similar titles by the same author, or multiple author instances (artist as author, as subject, as added author), or combine multiple facet values
At start: no drop down boxes, only titled text boxes, based on above. Keyword (& Item Description) 3rd on the list; “Subject Terms” instead of just “Subject”
Dismax, & Solr local params: local param syntax: _query_:{dismax qf …..}
jQuery functions added to multi-facet search boxes; also added faceting to results (actionable facets)
The search breadcrumbs got really complex.
Drupal 7: A more powerful platform for building library applications
Has a new Information Architecture, writes things into “contexts” (attempt to make it easier for end user)
Users can cancel their own account
New admin theme, toolbars & shortcuts (taken from admin menu toolbar module); dashboard (add what you want)
Uses overlays (rather than changing page)
Module selection screen changed to landscape table view.
Permission screen: allows admin role (same as 1st user)
Install options are default, or minimal profile.
Minimum Software Requirements: php 5.2, mysql 5.0 (or postgres 5.0)
File System changes: separate public and private paths
Has native imaging handling out of the box
email security notifications set automatically with install; php filter module now global.
cron.php requires key in url to run
Field UI (included in core) draws from cck module in Drupal 6. Types: boolean, decimal, file, images, list, text taxonomy, etc.; can apply to almost anything
Update manager: upload and install a module/theme from drupal
Page elements are assignable; templating system changed (more consistent?)
The base theme is based on Zen: Stark (naked)
Theming of content is now granular (content can be pulled from container for theming)
Javascript uses jQuery 1.3, jQuery Forms 2.2 & jQuery UI 1.7; ajax framework from cTools
Really backend stuff: 5.0 database abstraction layer can utilize PHP Data Objects; dynamic select queries; stream wrapper: URI’s can be referenced; field API not node specific & any element can be fieldable
Enhancing Discoverability With Virtual Shelf Browse
Displays book covers, with mouseovers; scrolls right and left
Not everything has a cover image; uses “faux covers” ala google books
Goal: browse arbitrary number of titles around a known item in call number order, including online & all locations
Daily output from ILS to delimited text, then db ingest with python, to call number index in mysql; call number is in alternate formats w/in table records.
Front end challenges: DOM=SLOW; multiple plugins = headache; remote servers = latency issues; too much ajax = browser issues; IE not a friend (doh!)
How to Implement A Virtual Bookshelf With Solr
ILS is Sirsi.
Problems with dirty data, & no standard call no (incl. sudocs & theses/dissertation numbering schemes)