SimplyE is the Open Source Reading Platform built by libraries for libraries to improve access to ebooks from libraries.
The project aims to streamline the experience of borrowing electronic books from a public library. We offer:
- Mobile e-readers (iOS and Android) that focuses on patron experience and accessibility.
- Web Applications for Union eBook Catalog and integrated Web Reader
- Server Software for Seamless integration of collections from multiple vendors.
- Easy access to a wide variety of public domain and open-access books.
Our goal is to make borrowing ebooks as easy as buying them.
This wiki is written by the Library Simplified developers and intended for use by technical staff at public libraries. For details on how to get your library involved, see the Library Simplified website.
Overview
Library Simplified is a collection of middleware, server software and mobile client applications for iOS and Android that libraries may use to deliver digital content to their patrons for experimentation or daily eBook services. It is designed to provide a unique user experience for the lending of eBooks and other digital content. It integrates with technologies and systems common to libraries like:
- A Integrated Library System/Library Management System (ILS/LMS)
- Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
- Single Sign On (SSO) credential management system
- Commercial eBook hosting and distribution services
Front End
Client-side Readers
The client applications are currently contained in open repositories accept for the those DRM components that are derivative products which are in private repositories. Partner libraries may obtain access to the private repositories and the closed repositories for DRM that require a commercial license. Once the commercial license is obtained users can gain access to the code libraries that link to the commercial binaries distributed independently by the commercial DRM vendor.
- The iOS client is a native application written in Objective C and C++. There are optional cocoa pods for help ticket support. It can be built with or without DRM.
- The Android client is a native application written in Java and C++. There are optional components for help ticket support. It can be built with or without DRM.
Repositories
Front-end Web Applications
Back End
Backend Servers
- The Circulation Manager is the main connection between a library's collection and Library Simplified's various client-side applications. It handles user authentication, combines licensed works with open access content from the OA Content Server, and data from the Metadata Wrangler. This application depends on the Server Core as a git submodule.
- The Server Core contains functionality common between various LS servers, including database models and essential class constants, OPDS parsers, and certain configuration details. The OA Content Server, Metadata Wrangler, and Circulation Manager all depend on this code base.
- The OA Content Server collects and parses sources and preserves metadata for open access works, serving them up in a feed with verbose OPDS entries.
NOTE: This application depends on the Server Core as a git submodule. - The Metadata Wrangler utilizes and intelligently amalgamates a wide variety of information sources for library ebooks and incorporates them into the reading experience for users by improving selection, search, and recommendations.
- The Card Creator application allows libraries to incorporate remote library card application and proof of eligibility documentation in a secure and controlled process so that user data and privacy is secured in transit and at rest during the application review process and promptly deleted from library systems upon acceptance or rejection.
Repositories
Deployment Tools
