Seattle Public Library Greasemonkey script part 2
[Update 16 May 2007: there's an improved version that handles holds on Userscripts.org.]
About six weeks ago, I cobbled together a quickie Greasemonkey script for including a LibraryLookup link in Amazon’s book pages to the Seattle Public Library. It’s proved very handy. Some non-techie family members are using it, and it’s generated more comments and feedback than any previous entry on this here blog.
So, it was to my wonder and amazement that I recently happened upon a similar user script that does more tricks, more better. Over at snarfed.org is a script that queries the Palo Alto Libraries and displays the circulation status of whatever book you’re looking at on Amazon.com, just like Jon Udell’s script. As luck would have it, the Palo Alto Libraries use the same Dynix cataloging system as the Seattle Public Libraries, making the task of adapting the script for SPL trivial. Here’s a screenshot. Notice the nice green link under the book title which informs me that The System of the World is available in the Seattle Public Library:
Cool or what? Click that link and it takes you directly to the item in SPL’s catalog. The script is smart enough to also tell you if the book is checked out, on order, in process, or not available. I like.
Now, if you have previously installed my first script, I suggest you uninstall it before grabbing the new one. Also, I make no guarantees that this will by my last version. To make use of the script you’ll need Firefox, Greasemonkey, and to right-click the following link: amazonspl.user.js, then choose “install user script.” Then browse for a book.
12 Comments