Creating a free cloud-based Library Catalogue using Google Fusion Tables Rupesh Kumar A Email:
[email protected]
Library Catalogue • Helps users ascertain the availability of a resource in one or more libraries. • OPAC • WebOPAC – OPAC hosted on the Web • Web hosting needs investment. • Small/medium sized libraries need free hosting.
Google Fusion Tables • An experimental app on Google Drive. • Data visualization web application to gather, visualize, and share data tables. • May be used to store and share library catalogue records. • A useful app to build a free cloud-based library catalogue.
Creating the Cloud-based Catalogue • Requirements – Google Account – Library Catalogue Records in CSV format
This is the csv file containing library catalogue records
Sign-in to Google Account
Go to Google Drive
Click on New > More > Connect more apps
Search for Fusion Tables and click Connect
Click on New > More > Google Fusion Tables
Sign-in to Fusion Tables
To upload the library catalogue records file, click Browse
Select the csv file and click Open
Select the separator character and click Next
If the first row contains headings, it will be automatically detected. Click Next
Describe the table and click Finish
This is how the new Fusion Table looks
The built-in map may be removed since it is not needed
Row display
Card display
Searching using Filter
Matching record
Sharing the Catalogue URL
Click Share button. Change the access settings
Change the access settings to On – Public on the web. Click Save.
Copy the Link to share and share this link with users
Lengthy URL? Use a short url service
Use bitly.com or any other service to generate short url. Bitly.com allows custom short url upon signing up.
Custom short url http://bit.ly/abccollege can be used to access the catalogue
User is redirected to this page
Possibilities • Build a ‘union catalogue’ of libraries. • Customize ‘card view’ • A Google Form can be built to help users reserve a document.
Limitations • 15 GB Google Drive Space (good enough?) • CSV file format requirement • Standard User interface
Thank You Suggestions/Questions/Comments?
