Integrating Library Systems and Web Technologies: Analysis and Implementation

The web is pervasive - millions of people use it everyday to communicate, find information, and make purchases. University and public libraries, as well as many smaller libraries, have websites and web-based 'OPACs' (Online Public Access Catalogues). However, library websites are not well used, with users preferring to start with more general search engines such as Google. This book explores current thinking around how libraries can more effectively exploit the web to make their resources and services discoverable and accessible. It looks back at the development of the WWW and looks forward to the future. The body of the book considers how libraries can publish information onto the web in more effective ways using the latest web technologies. Key themes include: the Web as platform; harnessing collective intelligence; search engines, SEO and analytics; HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and the concept of RESTful architecture; semantic Technologies; moving towards 'linked data'; and mashing up libraries.

This book will appeal to any library which has, or intends to have, a web presence, but will be essential reading for library systems/IT staff and library managers working in large scale libraries in the public and academic sectors. It will also be of great use to students and newly qualified librarians.