I was just reading a list-serv thread and someone is looking for software to validate web links in their library catalog. Link validation is obviously an important necessity for web developers, but is a completly underdeveloped aspect of traditional library catalogs, especially considering the ever-increasing volume of authoratative information available on the web.
The person looking for info got one response, and a quick internet search found no software containing such functionality. The response was actually from someone who manually takes URLs from their catalog database and runs them through a link validation software made for websites, and then manually goes back to the catalog to repair any broken links.
I can't imagine a more arduous or unnessecarily time-consuming process. Seems like there is a definite market, if anyone is looking for a development project.
The software the one responder uses is Web Link Validator from REL Software. It is reasonably priced and well reviewed.
If anyone is aware of other software, please let me know and I'll pass it along.
Plans are in the works for an open source database/cataloging scheme to help organization of personal libraries. LibDB hopes to allow "smart and easy" cataloging of movies, books, magazines, etc for the home user. With the sheer volume of materials most people save (especially now digitally), management of those assests will become increasinly important. The project is still in it's initial stages, but is worth taking a look at (link via The Shifted Librarian.
| Categorized in: Form: Application , Library: Other , Process: Cataloging