Project at NCSU Libraries to build low cost supplements to physical exhibits in the library. Uses Ruby on Rails, jQuery Mobile, and Djatoka image server. Originally presented at Code4Lib 2011.
1. Mobile Web Apps for Library
Exhibits
Cory Lown
NCSU Libraries
Code4Lib 2011
February 2011
http://go.ncsu.edu/4hexhibit
2. Opportunity
•! Increased power and popularity of
mobile devices
•! Digital special collections are now
easier to repurpose and reuse
(Thank you Solr & Djatoka image server)
http://go.ncsu.edu/4hexhibit
3. Project Goals
•! Establish a set of tools for creating
mobile web applications to supplement
temporary exhibits in the library
•! Keep development time/cost low
•! Make use of existing digital special
collections content
http://go.ncsu.edu/4hexhibit
4. 4-H & NC State
Exhibit with mobile supplement
http://go.ncsu.edu/4hexhibit
13. Tools we used
•! Web App:
•! Ruby on Rails
•! Data:
•! Solr index of image
metadata
•! The user interface:
•! jQuery Mobile – lightly
customized css
14. Tools we used
•! Serve images from Djatoka Image
Server:
•! 1st request: served on the fly by Djatoka
(any size and crop) and cached locally by
rails (slow)
•! 2nd request: Apache serves image cached
by rails (fast)
15. Lessons learned
•! Exhibit designer hand selected the
images for the mobile supplement.
•! jQuery Mobile and Djatoka are very
useful
16. Future plans
•! Package rails app as an engine gem for
re-use for future mobile supplements to
exhibits
•! Build an admin interface so exhibit
designer can manage themes and
associated images
17. Thanks!
Cory Lown
Digital Technologies Development Librarian
NCSU Libraries
cory_lown@ncsu.edu
The mobile site:
http://go.ncsu.edu/4hexhibit
About the project:
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/dli/projects/mobileexhibits/
