Project Blacklight: a next generation library catalog at a first generation university
| Date | 06 March 2009 |
| Pages | 57-67 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830910942919 |
| Published date | 06 March 2009 |
| Author | Elizabeth (Bess) Sadler |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THEME ARTICLE
Project Blacklight: a next
generation library catalog at a
first generation university
Elizabeth (Bess) Sadler
University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper sets out to provide an overview of the open source online public access catalog
(OPAC) software known as Blacklight. It includes a discussion of the reasons why the University of
Virginia decided to create the Blacklight project, rationale behind design decisions, an overview of the
technologies used, and some examples of interface designs and object behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach – Design approaches discussed include open source
methodologies, model/view/controller development patterns, and strategies for efficient staff
training and utilization.
Findings – The Blacklight project is not yet complete, but initial usability testing is favorable. The
project shows particular promise among previously underserved populations such as music
researchers, and for previously under-used collections.
Practical implications – Libraries who are considering de-coupling their OPAC from their
Integrated Library System will find useful information about this process as undertaken by the
University of Virginia, as well as more information about Blacklight, and more information about
whether Blacklight might be a good fit for their library.
Originality/value – Blacklight is an open source OPAC system that is particularly well suited to
large libraries with diverse collections. It is the only open source OPAC system with a focus on
creating customized interfaces for specific populations.
Keywords Online cataloguing,Library systems
Paper type Technical paper
Introduction
Blacklight is an open-source OPAC replacement in development at the University of
Virginia. The goal of this project is to create a system that not only has the kinds of
Web 2.0 features library users are asking for now, but also will allow librarians to
regain control over library interfaces, allowing libraries to respond more easily to user
needs in the future. Recognizing that different user communities have significantly
different information needs, the Blacklight project has adopted as one of its core design
principles the ability to create community-specific views of library collections, with
index fields, interface design, and relevancy ranking that is configurable for each view
on the collection.
Blacklight uses Apache Solr (http://lucene.apache.org/solr/) for indexing and
searching records, and Ruby on Rails for its front end. Indexing in Solr is comparable
to commercial ILS-integrated OPAC systems in terms of performance and scalability,
is arguably better in terms of support and interoperability with other systems, and
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Project
Blacklight
57
Received 22 October 2008
Revised 18 November 2008
Accepted 27 November 2008
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 27 No. 1, 2009
pp. 57-67
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830910942919
To continue reading
Request your trial