A web utility for OPAC searching by ISBN

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss modifying an existing bookmarklet which is a button‐based tool that adds functionality to a web browser. This modification allows an individual to search a library's OPAC by ISBN for numbers encountered in the body of web documents such as bibliographies or book reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper documents the code for the bookmarklet and its modification for different browsers.

Findings

The process involves using JavaScript to copy highlighted text from a web page and send it as a search to the local OPAC.

Practical implications

This tool allows the user to check if a particular book encountered on the web is held in a local library by highlighting the ISBN tool and clicking a browser button. The utility may be useful to library patrons as a discovery tool for finding books and can be used to automate aspects of daily library operations. Suggested applications and further variations and modifications to search by data elements other than ISBN, such as ISSN or title are discussed.

Originality/value

The process discussed adds a new way to access a library's holdings.

Citation

Suhr, K. (2009), "A web utility for OPAC searching by ISBN", Collection Building, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 59-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950910953099