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This is a very interesting thread. I see two ways to start adding reviews to books in existing library catalogs: ------------------------------------------- #1. A developer can utilize existing review content that Amazon provides free via their XML-API Amazon Web Services 1.0: http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html/104-0253357-5826372?node=3435361 http://www.webservices.org/index.php/article/articleview/959/1/1/ Amazon is providing this service for users with fan sites, who may want to receive a commission on product referrals. However, the developer can be selective as to which content he/she pulls and doesn't have to display any "shopping information". Of course, there are a few downsides to using Amazon data. First, the library relinquishes control over the ownership and censorship of the reviews. Furthermore, it's not the library community writing the reviews, but an international community of Amazon users. Finally, the license agreement requires a link to the Amazon page whenever Amazon data is displayed. This alone may be reason enough for most libraries to be wary. However, if the book is available at the library or can be recalled, most library website/catalog users would prefer to check it out rather than purchase it. Otherwise they would have gone to Amazon in the first place. The advantage is, of course, that the library starts with a plethora of content for many books that could help the concept get off the ground. Developing a review system is one thing... getting content in there is another. I definitely don't see this as an all-in-one long term solution, but initially integrating it with #2 could work... ------------------------------------------- #2. Use an existing open-source product/book review system or develop one. ReviewScript (see link below) seems to do emulate Amazon's review module. It's $50, which I think is a deal. At the very least, it could serve as an educational tool for any developers who may want to embark on the journey themselves. The ReviewScript developers may also be interested in working with someone who wants to extend it to include a book referrals module(i.e. - Those who checked out this book also checked out these books): http://www.review-script.com ------------------------------------------- Of course, with either of these approaches, I see integration with proprietary cataloging systems as the second biggest hurdle. (The first would be acquiring funding to pay for any custom development.) Then again, I have web application development experience, but no experience w/ the cataloging systems themselves or the business politics involved. It may not be as difficult as I suspect. ****************** Shaun Ellis RUL Web Developer 732/932-7505