This application generates and displays a set of paging lists for Multnomah County Library (MCL) branches. While the application is configured to meet MCL's needs, it could easily be configured for any other library utilizing the SirsiDynix Symphony integrated library system.
The application has three primary purposes:
- To provide simple, clear, paging lists for MCL branches, which are accessible via either web or email.
- To support breakdown of the Central Library's list into multiple lists, based on shelving location.
- To demonstrate the capabilities of the open source Libilsws code library, which the application utilizes to communicate with the SirsiDynix system.
This application requires php 7 or 8, and Libilsws, which is available on GitHub. Both the application and code library utilize composer to manage package dependencies.
The paging application produces a web interface to title and item paging lists for each branch of a multi-branch system. In addition, the application provides live links into the Symphony catalog so that staff may conveniently and quickly look up additional information about listed items.
The Central page provides Central Library staff the option of organizing their paging items into multiple, separate lists, based on shelving location. This is helpful, given the large size and multi-floor design of the building. The Central page is configured via a YAML file that filters list items into groups based on Symphony's current location and call number. Regular expressions are used to define the call number filters.
Because retrieving the paging list data from Symphony is a fairly slow process--it takes about 20
seconds on Multnomah County Library's system--the application comes with a list generation utility,
bin/gen_lists.php, which is designed to be run by root from a cron job. For example, to generate
the lists every morning at seven a.m., you would add the following line to your crontab:
0 7 * * * /usr/bin/php /var/www/html/paging/bin/gen_lists.php /var/www/html/paging
This utility also emails the lists to users at each branch configured in the YAML configuration file.
The paging lists may also be updated during the day by pressing the button at the bottom of the branch list.
The Multnomah County Library implementation of this application may be accessed at https://lib-paging.multcolib.org/paging/.