A PC hard disk image (hereafter: build) that is configured to limit users to an online public access Library catalogue. The build uses the Ubuntu Linux distribution, automatically logs into a restricted environment (openbox window manager). A web browser automatically starts up again with limits in place.

The project has developed a lightweight modular middleware, which interfaces between the Library ILS and a range of widgets which work in a variety of websites and environments (currently Facebook, Moodle, iGoogle, and VuFind, the open source OPAC). Our source code repo is here: http://code.google.com/p/librarywidgets

The middleware and widgets allow users to carry out basic library self-service functions, such as book renewals, checking overdues, and paying library fines – all from within the website where the widget has been embedded, without ever needing to log in separately to the Library’s systems.

The API and existing widgets are available as free software, comprising a ‘toolkit’ which will allow other libraries to broaden access to core services, and we hope that it will form a skeleton on which other libraries can build related functionality and widgets. Our blog is here: http://lib-1.lse.ac.uk/library-widgets