There have some homebrew ways of doing this, but their reliability suffered: if the library made a change to how they presented or managed their data, it could break any user-generated hacks.
The Seattle Public Library: Library News Release Detail:
With the new Horizon system, patrons will notice a number of improvements, including
- Improved search and page loading times, especially for people with slow Internet connections.
- A better interface for Library users with visual disabilities.
- RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Just as Web sites now offer RSS as a means to provide updated information without having to “visit” the site, the Horizon RSS feature allows search feeds (new titles from your favorite author) or a listing of “items out” to be incorporated into new readers (My Yahoo! Or Bloglines).
- Icons that clearly display the type of material (book, DVD, book on CD, etc.) so you can quickly locate what you want.
Patrons should be aware that due to privacy concerns and the USA PATRIOT Act, the new system will no longer keep track of yearly holds placed by patrons.
The bit about library systems not tracking holds was something you had to opt out of: now they’re just not tracking anyone. What kind of books do you have to have checked out for the terrorists to have won?
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