RDWLP Team Prepares Library Version 2.0

The RDWL e-Library was launched a couple of weeks ago with all the requisite features and content for a version 1.0 (or a ‘beta’ version in web industry jargon) application. Although the platform was serviceable for a launch and for showing off the technology we will be utilizing - especially ePUB and Adobe Digital Editions - we have received a lot of feedback from the library community, and will be moving immediately to act on it.

After talking to librarians from the Virginia Baptist College, William Carey International University, Liberty University, and our on-campus librarian, we have a better picture of the features that will be needed for our next revision. We will be building the following features into the new library system:

• MARC records will be used for our ebooks, audio books, and periodical artices.
• Revised librarian backend will allow librarians to have better control over collections and content.
• Library backend will allow MARC record publishing for integration with existing OPAC.
• Revised administrative backend will improve speed at which our publishing arm can publish ebooks.
• New search interface will allow MARC-based searching, similar to other e-Libraries.
• Search results page will be coded with AJAX, allowing dynamic and user-friendly access to content.
• Various new collections will be available when Version 2 is launched.
• Increased server capacity will allow many more audio books as well as digitized content.
• Improved UI for the frontend, allowing faster page loads and a lighter feel.

That is the gist of the development that is currently underway. We are aiming to have version 2 publicly available by August 18. If you would like to apply for a RDWLP library in the meantime, please contact us. Any additional suggestions for features are also appreciated!