What

Jangle (Just another generic library environment) is an experiment with middleware for library applications. If you build, use, manage or just want simple access to a library system, Jangle could be for you.

Why

The aim of the Jangle project is to provide a free, easy to use framework for building web services for LMSs/ILSs.

There are a few approaches to this floating around at the moment (see RelatedWork). Jangle is an attempt to take on board this work, and apply it to create tools for building generic RESTful APIs for library systems.

We also keep in mind the points in the Library Software Manifesto and look for intuitive, simple, standards-based approaches.

Who

Several Jangle developers work for Talis, a major provider of library systems. More information about Talis' involvement.

However, Jangle is open source software, released under the GPL v2: see Licensing for more information. It is free for anyone to use, modify and redistribute under the terms of that licence.

The project hopes to engage with:

Developers of open source ILS software who want to develop consistent, standardised APIs for their software
Developers who would like to add REST services to an ILS they have been provided by a vendor
Companies interested in adding REST services to their products

Documentation

Installation

How to install Jangle

Design

Connector API

The format for requests to connectors and responses from connectors.

Jangle API

The format for requests to Jangle and responses back.

Prototypes/experiments

BorrowerSchemaDiscussion ( discussing the database schema for borrower info.)
NCIPXMLSchemaForBorrowers (experiments with translating the NCIP requests to REST requests, and mapping borrower model onto NCIP responses)

Developers

How to write a Jangle Connector for your ILS

Example of how to import your own data into the Base connector