MyLibrary project page
Overview
This proposed implementation of the My Library concept would provide students with a personalized web portal page linked to the library's web site. After logging-in for the first time, students are asked to list the courses and/or subjects they are taking. They would then be presented with course-specific resources from Ball State Libraries gathered from our LibGuides database via an XML feed. Each student's My Library page will also have the option to be personalized; they can add RSS feeds, widgets, and other content.
Our current test site is only available to users with a valid Ball State username and password. Anyone is welcome to view the MyLibrary "concept" site. Feedback is welcome and encouraged; just drop me a line at rtvandenbark AT bsu DOT edu (address presented this way to prevent spam).
Project summary, 6/29/09
- Video demo of system now available.
- Response: some library staff tested the site and provided feedback, little or no use by students.
- Remaining work:
- Integrate LibGuides via RSS feed to replace simple lists of databases
- More thorough user testing
- Redevelop for use in Blackboard
Status Updates
Update for 3/4/09
- Posted to Web Lab for user testing
- Writing an article for Library Insider
- Brad's list of questions
Proposed text for login page
What is this place?
My Library @ BSU is a customizable library web portal page for students, inspired by iGoogle and MyYahoo. It is designed to organize and present the excellent resources provided by University Libraries based upon the courses you are taking. Simply log-in using your Ball State user ID and password, select from the drop-down menu three subjects you are taking, and My Library will do the rest. You can personalize your site by adding a favorite widget, or track your favorite blog via RSS feed on the “My Stuff” tab.
Proposed text for My Stuff tab
What is a widget?
A widget is a portable snippet of code that can be used in any web page, where it provides on-screen tools, information or entertainment. Tools can include calculators, converters, or telephone directories. Information provided by widgets might include a stock-market ticker, auction tracking, airline flight tracking, or daily weather. Entertainment widgets can be almost anything – games, quizzes, even virtual pets.
What is a library module?
Ball State University Libraries offers many useful online tools for academic and personal use. MyLibrary @ BSU has created widget-like modules of some of these tools, and made them available to you at the click of your mouse button. They include an assignment calculator, a video search tool, and a WorldCat search box.
What is an RSS feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and is a way of publishing frequently updated works (such as news, blog entries, and video) in a standardized format. It can also be used to regularly and automatically search databases (such as EBSCO) for new publications on any given topic.
Update for 2/11-13/09
- Windows authentication problem does not allow non-admins to work, have to switch to LDAP authentication; will delay launch by 1 week.
- Will be adding assignment calculator as an optional library module
Update for 2/5/09
- Robert currently finishing coding for "add widget" capability. Will also add MultiSearch icon.
- Patron record information still waiting for Jim
- Will add feedback capability
- Recommendations:
- User testing with LDADS student assistants
- Then post to Web Lab, and add article to Library Insider
- Include LibGuides content (annual fee)
- Add guest access capability for external feedback
- Add MultiSearch to main search box (waiting for programming)
Update for 1/30/09
Proposed interface for adding to "My Stuff" tab
Update for 12/12/08
- Basic prototype up and working as of 12/5/08, including feeds from our "database of databases."
- Proposed additional features
Update for 11/21/08
Developed proposed process for adding user content to the "My Stuff" page, and adding content to subject tabs
Update for 11/14/08
- Discussion with Robert (programmer): not wanting a search, just a feed from the LibGuides XML file. This would be of similar difficulty to program as letting users customize. Requiring that users customize MyLibrary will most likely result in lower utilization rates. Students already spend a great deal of time customizing their MySpace page, and other such services.
- Due to time constraints, we will instead use the "database of databases," and get the content for each tab from it. Todd will create a mapping from the list of classes to the database subject areas listed on the library website. The process for autopopulating each tab is charted at the right (click to enlarge).
Update for 11/7/08
Presentation moved to December's PPA meeting. Test site now has limit of 6 tabs, and capability to delete tabs. Resolved permissions problem where index page causes Dreamweaver to freeze up.
Eric Lease Morgan asked me to post something to his MyLibrary blog; can I prepare a summary statement, get your approval, and then submit it?
