BiblioteQ is a complex and highly-configurable library suite. The software supports large, medium, and small institutions.

BiblioteQ is functional on any operating system where Qt LTS, SQLite, and YAZ are supported. BiblioteQ also supports the PostgreSQL database engine. Qt 4.8.x is considered obsolete and is not supported. The YAZ library is optional.

 

The Recent SQLite Files sub-menu contains a list of BiblioteQ’s recently-accessed SQLite files. If an SQLite file is selected, the specified SQLite database is opened. Please note that BiblioteQ will first close an existing database, if one is open, before opening the specified database. A Clear option is also included in the sub-menu. If Clear is activated, the list of the recently-accessed SQLite files is emptied. BiblioteQ will remove duplicate sqlite_db_ entries from the INI file shortly after the application is launched. Also removed will be entries whose corresponding files lack read and write permissions.

For PostgreSQL databases, items may be added by administrator and librarian accounts. For SQLite databases, file owners may add items.

BiblioteQ supports books, compact discs, digital video discs, grey literature, journals, magazines, photograph collections, and video games.

To add an item, click on the Add Item tool button and select the desired category. An item-create window will be displayed. Required fields are highlighted.

Multiple items may be added simultaneously.

The Administrator Browser is available if an administrator role is connected to a PostgreSQL database. The browser may be accessed via the Configure Administrator Privileges (PostgreSQL) tool button.

Four roles are available. Changes should be committed via the Save Changes button.

The process of committing changes to the PostgreSQL database is as follows:

1. 1.The table’s current state is inspected. The operator is notified of administrators without privileges as well as duplicate administrators and the process is aborted. 

2. 2.A database transaction is prepared. If an error occurs, the process is aborted. 

3. 3.Deleted accounts are removed from the admin database table as well as from the PostgreSQL database. If an error occurs with either sub-process, the process is aborted and the previous changes are reverted. 

4. 4.Existing admin table entries are updated. New accounts are inserted into the admin table. If an error occurs, the process is aborted and the previous changes are reverted. 

5. 5.Existing admin table entries are granted the specified privileges after all potential privileges are revoked. New accounts are created in the PostgreSQL database and assigned the appropriate privileges. If an error occurs, the process is aborted and the previous changes are reverted. 

6. 6.If all of the aforementioned statements execute correctly, the database transaction is committed. 

Please note that leading and trailing spaces will be removed from user names during the database-recording process.

 

A PostgreSQL account’s password may be changed via the Password Selection dialog. A password must contain at least eight characters. Guest accounts are excluded.

 

BiblioteQ supports both the PostgreSQL and the SQLite database engines. This section will cover the details involved in connecting to a PostgreSQL database.

 

 

Click the Connect option of the File menu.

 

Select the appropriate non-local_db Branch Name if one is available. Provide the Password and Userid information, if applicable, and press the Connect button.

Note: The sections Accessing an Existing SQLite Database and Creating an SQLite Database cover the details of accessing and creating SQLite databases, respectively.

BiblioteQ supports PostgreSQL 8.x, 9.x, and newer. Please note that PostgreSQL 8.x and 9.x are not supported by PostgreSQL. Please follow the PostgreSQL-provided documentation for installing PostgreSQL. After installing the required PostgreSQL packages, please perform the following operations:

1. 1.Create the xbook_db database via createdb xbook_db -E UTF8 or via the PostgreSQL-recommended procedure. Please note that the database name xbook_db is only a suggestion. 

2. 2.Execute createlang plpgsql -d xbook_db or the PostgreSQL-recommended procedure for adding a new programming language to the xbook_db database. If the language already exists, PostgreSQL will produce an error. Please ignore the error. 

3. 3.If desired, replace all instances of the default administrator xbook_admin in the postgresql_create_schema.sql file. A password may also be set afterwards. 

4. 4.Log into your PostgreSQL xbook_db database and load the postgresql_create_schema.sql file via \i postgresql_create_schema.sql. 

Once the SQLite database file has been initialized, BiblioteQ will open it. If a database is already open,  a confirmation prompt is displayed. If confirmed, the current database is closed and the newly-created database is opened.

Custom SQL queries may be performed via the Custom Query window.

After a successful query is performed, the main table’s columns will be set according to the query statement. Please avoid including columns of type QByteArray in the custom query as the associated data will burden the software.

Image information is recorded as Base-64.

The Database Enumerations Browser is available to accounts having administrator or librarian privileges and is accessible via the Database Enumerations tool button. The browser contains configurable item values. The browser is available for PostgreSQL and SQLite databases.

The process of committing data to a database is as follows:

1. 1.For each sub-panel (Book Binding Types, etc.), a database transaction is prepared. If an error occurs, the current transaction is canceled and the process iterates to the next sub-panel. 

2. 2.All items in the respective database table are deleted. For example, for the Book Binding Types sub-panel, all entries from the book_binding_types database table are deleted. If the process fails, changes are reverted and the process proceeds to the next sub-panel. 

3. 3.New values are inserted into the respective database table. If the process fails, changes are reverted and the process proceeds to the next sub-panel. 

4. 4.The current database transaction is committed. 

To disconnect from a connected database, click the File menu. Then click the Disconnect option.

 

The Error Log may be accessed via the View menu. The window details critical exceptions which were raised during a BiblioteQ session. The status bar of the main window will indicate whether or not the log contains entries.

 

The current table view’s contents may be exported to a CSV file via the Export Table View as CSV option of the File menu.

 

If clicked, a file-selection dialog is displayed.

The generated CSV file will contain comma-separated values. Values which contain commas will be encased in double-quotes. For example, A book of abstract algebra,"Pinter, Charles C.",McGraw-Hill,1990-01-01,New York,2,"Algebra, Abstract.",English,0070501386,0.00,Dollar,1,Hardcover,Home,9780070501386,89035355,QA162 .P56 1990,512/.02,1,0,Original,As New,.

The first line of the generated file contains the exported view’s header strings. The exported columns are governed by the settings in Viewable Columns.

Several categories (books, grey literature, journals, magazines) include file attachments. Attached files are compressed before being inserted into the respective database. BiblioteQ employs the ZLIB algorithm for compression.

BiblioteQ supports embedded hyperlinks. If a hyperlink is clicked, a search is initiated using the specified text for the given category. Please note that a clicked hyperlink will not be activated if the parent widget is editable. An example hyperlink: <a href='book_search?category?Number Theory'>Number Theory</a>.

 

BiblioteQ provides an import mechanism for importing book and patron data contained in a CSV file. Please review the Tools menu.

This page will describe the various tool buttons which are present on the main window.

The tool buttons are described from left to right.

View Selected Item(s)

Open the detail window(s) of the selected item(s). A confirmation prompt is displayed if the number of selected items exceeds four. The tool button is disabled if the current account has administrator privileges.

Add Item

Add an item. The tool button is disabled if the current account does not have Item Creation privileges.

Duplicate Selected Item(s)

Open the detail window(s) of the selected item(s). A confirmation prompt is displayed if the number of selected items exceeds four. The tool button is disabled if the current account does not have Item Creation privileges.

Delete Selected Item(s)

Delete the selected item(s). A confirmation prompt is displayed. The tool button is disabled if the current account does not have Item Deletion privileges.

Modify Selected Item(s)

Modify the selected item(s). A confirmation prompt is displayed if the number of selected items exceeds four. The tool button is disabled if the current account does not have Item Updates privileges.

Print Current View

Print the items in the current view. A Print dialog is displayed.

Select Viewable Columns

Select the columns that are to be shown in the main window’s table per each category (books, cds, etc.). Please note that column order is not preserved.

View Member’s Reservation History (Patrons Only)

Display the current patron’s reserved items. The tool button is enabled only for patron accounts.

Request Selected Item(s) / Cancel Selected Request(s)

Available for patrons, these options allow for the requesting of items as well as for the canceling of requested items.

Reserve Selected Item

Reserve the selected item. The tool button is disabled if the current account does not have Item Reservations privileges.

Display Members Browser

Display the Members Browser window. Only available for administrator, circulation, and membership accounts.

Files Browser

Display the Files Browser window.

Database Search

Activates a context menu containing various search options.

Custom Database Query

Display a Custom Query window.

Refresh Table

Reload the current view.

Again, the tool buttons are described from left to right.

Connect

Display the Branch Selection dialog.

Disconnect

Disconnect from the current database.

Change Password

Display the Password Selection dialog. Not available for PostgreSQL guest accounts and SQLite databases.

Configure Administrator Privileges

Display the Administrator Browser window. Only available for administrator accounts. Not available for SQLite databases.

Database Enumerations

Display the Database Enumerations Browser window. Only available for administrator and librarian accounts.

Exit BiblioteQ

Terminate the application.

The Members Browser is available via the View menu. For PostgreSQL databases, the browser is accessible if the current role is administrator, circulation, or membership. For SQLite databases, access to the browser is always granted.

The browser allows administrators to create, delete, and modify patron account details. Reservation processes are also available in the Members Browser. A mechanism for exporting the patron information is also included.

Grant Privileges

Grant Privileges is available for PostgreSQL databases. If pressed, each listed account is removed from and added to the biblioteq_patron role.

Direct PostgreSQL Documentation

PostgreSQL manages database access permissions using the concept of roles. A role can be thought of as either a database user, or a group of database users, depending on how the role is set up. Roles can own database objects (for example, tables and functions) and can assign privileges on those objects to other roles to control who has access to which objects. Furthermore, it is possible to grant membership in a role to another role, thus allowing the member role to use privileges assigned to another role.

The concept of roles subsumes the concepts of “users” and “groups”. In PostgreSQL versions before 8.1, users and groups were distinct kinds of entities, but now there are only roles. Any role can act as a user, a group, or both.

A patron’s reservation history may be accessed via the Member’s Reservation History window. Reservation histories are initially disabled.

BiblioteQ supports the Open Library Internet search query for books.

BiblioteQ supports Android, FreeBSD, Linux, MacOS, OS/2, OpenBSD, and Windows. Generally, the application is compatible with any operating system where Qt, SQLite, and YAZ are supported. Please note that the YAZ library is totally optional. The software has also been tested on a variety of architectures, including AMD, ARM, Alpha, Apple Silicon, PowerPC, and Sun UltraSparc.

BiblioteQ supports PDF content through the Poppler open source library. Browsing, printing, and searching options are included. Poppler support is optional. Newer versions of Qt also include some PDF functions and BiblioteQ will provide PDF services through Qt if possible.

BiblioteQ provides three tiers of PostgreSQL database roles: administrator, guest, and patron.

Initially, the postgresql_create_schema.sql script may be used to create the administrator account xbook_admin.

Guest roles are provided a read-only interface. Patron roles are granted reservation permissions.

PostgreSQL accounts may be modified via the Administrator Browser. Please note that the Administrator Browser is only available within an administrator role.

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system. Some of the benefits of PostgreSQL include the following.

• •High Standards Compliance 

• •Indices 

• •Networking 

• •Notifications. 

• •Procedural Languages 

• •Replication 

• •Rich Data Types 

• •Roles 

• •Schema Support 

• •Transactions 

• •Triggers 

• •User-defined Types 

The biblioteq.conf file contains non-user settings. The location of the file varies with distribution. This page will describe the various properties which may be defined in the biblioteq.conf file.

[Amazon Back Cover Images]

Describes required settings for retrieving book back-cover images from amazon.com.

host

Host name of the Amazon image server.

path

Path of the image file. BiblioteQ substitutes the respective ISBN in the percent sign. Please note that ASINs may also work.

The optional properties proxy_host, proxy_password, proxy_port, proxy_type, and proxy_username are also supported. The proxy_type property supports values of HTTP, None, Socks5, and System.

[Amazon Front Cover Images]

Please read previous section.

[Branch-1]

The first database branch.

connection_options

PostgreSQL-specific connection options. An example is connect_timeout=10;sslmode=verify-full.

database_name

The name of the database as it will appear in the Branch Selection dialog.

database_type

The database’s type. Must be set to postgresql or sqlite.

hostname

The host name of the PostgreSQL database server. Both IP addresses and fully-qualified domain names may be assigned.

port

The port value of the PostgreSQL database server.

ssl_enabled

If false, SSL/TLS communications are disabled.

[Open Library]

Describes required settings for retrieving book information from openlibrary.org

url_isbn

URL of book. BiblioteQ substitutes the respective ISBNs.

[Open Library Cover Images]

Describes required settings for retrieving book cover images from covers.openlibrary.org.

back_url

URL of the back-cover image file. BiblioteQ substitutes the respective ISBN in the $value field.

front_url

URL of the front-cover image file. BiblioteQ substitutes the respective ISBN in the $value field.

[SRU-1]

Describes the first SRU site.

name

Name of the site as it will appear in the application.

url_isbn

Complete URL of the site for retrieving data via ISBNs. The tokens %1 and %2 are replaced by the ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 fields.

url_issn

Complete URL of the site for retrieving data via ISSNs. The token %1 is replaced by the ISSN field.

The optional properties proxy_host, proxy_password, proxy_port, proxy_type, and proxy_username are also supported. The proxy_type property supports values of HTTP, None, Socks5, and System.

[Z39.50-1]

PostgreSQL patrons may request one or more books, compact discs, digital video discs, grey literature, journals, magazines, and video games. After selecting an item, please press the green Telephone tool button. To cancel a request, please set the Category to All Requested, select the desired item, and press the red Telephone tool button. A confirmation dialog is displayed and if accepted, the selected request is canceled.

For PostgreSQL databases, items may be reserved by administrator and circulation accounts. Owners of SQLite databases may reserve items. Books, compact discs, digital video discs, grey literature, journals, magazines, and video games may be reserved. To reserve an item, select it in the main window and press the Reserve Selected Item tool button. If the item is available for reservation, the Members Browser will be displayed. Select the desired patron in the Members Browser and press the Reserve Selected Item tool button in the Members Browser.  The Copy Browser dialog is displayed. Specify the Due Date and select the desired copy. Finalize the reservation process by clicking the Reserve button.

Items may also be reserved via the Batch Activities Browser.

Please note that the default Due Date may be modified via the Database Enumerations Browser.

For PostgreSQL databases, reserved items may be returned by administrator and circulation accounts. Owners of SQLite databases may return reserved items. The simplest method of identifying reserved items is by the All Reserved category of the View menu. An item may be returned via its details window. Open the selected item’s details and click the Reservation Status button. The Item Reservation Status dialog is displayed. Select the copy which is about to be returned and click the Return button. Confirm the process.

Selected items may also be returned via the All Reserved category and the Batch Activities Browser.

Most BiblioteQ queries are parameterized. Prepared SQL statements are resilient against SQL injections. Please note that some fixed fields (for instance, Locations) are embedded in the statements.

BiblioteQ supports both the SRU and Z39.50 Internet search queries for books, journals, and magazines. Sites may be defined within the biblioteq.conf file.

Dates are recorded in MM/dd/yyyy format.

ISBNs are recorded without hyphens.

--help

Display terminal options.

--open-postgresql-database <name-of-database>

Connect to the specified PostgreSQL database. The connection is established via the guest account.

--open-sqlite-database <absolute-path-of-database-file>

Open the specified SQLite database file.

--open-sqlite-database-index <index>

Open the SQLite database at the specified index.

--prepare-csv-import-file <absolute-path-of-csv-file>

Populates the CSV File widget of the CSV Import Browser with the specified file name. The file should exist.

--special-executable <absolute-path-of-executable>

The argument provided to special-executable will appear in Tools → External Applications. The environment variable BIBLIOTEQ_DATABASE_NAME is available to the new process. Multiple special-executable instances are allowed. Please note that BiblioteQ does not validate the paths of the applications.

--special-executable-icon <absolute-path-of-icon>

Set the action icon of the application specified via --special-executable. Please note that BiblioteQ does not validate the paths of the icons.

Example: BiblioteQ --special-executable /opt/dooble/Dooble –special-executable-icon /opt/dooble/Dooble.png.

Some software releases require database schema changes. Please read the version-specific section of the postgresql_update_schema.sql file and execute the required SQL statements.

It may be necessary to upgrade an existing BiblioteQ SQLite database schema after a software release. An upgrade tool is available via the Tools menu. A confirmation prompt is displayed before the process is initiated. After the upgrade process is completed, a dialog depicting the results of the upgrade will be displayed. Please create a copy of the SQLite database file before upgrading it.

 

Index

Accessing an Existing SQLite Database        11

Add Item        6, 24

admin        7

administrator        6 f., 16, 24 ff., 32, 40 f.

Administrator        32

Administrator Browser        7, 25, 32

Administrator Guide        3

All Requested        39

All Reserved        41

Alpha        30

AMD        30

Android        30

ARM        30

ASINs        36

back_url        37

biblioteq_patron        27

biblioteq.conf        36, 43

BiblioteQ.conf        9

BiblioteQ.INI        8

Book Binding Types        16

books        6, 20, 29, 39, 43

Books        40

Branch Name        5, 11

Branch Selection        4, 25, 36

Category        39

Change Password        25

circulation        25, 27, 40 f.

Circulation        32

Clear        4

compact discs        6, 39 f.

Configure Administrator Privileges        7, 25

Connect        4, 11, 25

connection_options        36

Copy Browser        40

createdb        12

createlang        12

Creating an SQLite Database        11

CSV        19, 22

Custom Database Query        25

Custom Query        14

Database Enumerations        16, 25

Database Enumerations Browser        16, 26, 40

Database Search        25

database_name        36 f.

database_type        36

Delete Selected Item(s)        24

digital video discs        6, 39 f.

Disconnect        17, 25

Display Members Browser        25

Due Date        40

Duplicate Selected Item(s)        24

Error Log        18

Exit BiblioteQ        26

Export Table View as CSV        19

File        4, 11, 13, 17, 19

Files Browser        25

format        38

FreeBSD        30

front_url        37

Grant Privileges        27

grey literature        6, 20, 39 f.

guest        25, 32

host        36

hostname        36

HTTP        36 f.

hyperlinks        21

Item Creation        24, 32 f.

Item Deletion        24, 32 f.

Item Reservation Status        41

Item Reservations        25, 32 f.

Item Returns        33

Item Updates        24, 33

journals        6, 20, 39 f., 43

librarian        6, 16, 26

Librarian        32

LIMIT        23

Linguist        46

Linux        30

local_db        5, 11

MacOS        30

magazines        6, 20, 39 f., 43

Member Creation        33

Member Deletion        33

Member Updates        33

Member’s Reservation History        28

Members Browser        40

membership        25, 27

Membership        32

Modify Selected Item(s)        24

name        37 f.

New SQLite Database        13

None        36 f.

OFFSET        23

Open Library        29

OpenBSD        30

OS/2        30

Pagination        23

password        10, 38

Password        11

Password Selection        10, 25

path        36

patron        24, 32

patrons        39

PDF        31

photograph collections        6

plpgsql        12

Poppler        31

port        36, 38

postgresql        36

PostgreSQL        3, 6 f., 11 f., 23, 27, 32, 39 ff.

postgresql_create_schema.sql        12, 32

postgresql_update_schema.sql        47

PowerPC        30

Print Current View        24

proxy_host        36 ff.

proxy_password        36 f.

proxy_port        36 ff.

proxy_type        36 f.

proxy_username        36 f.

Qt        30, 46

Qt LTS        3

reate        6

Recent SQLite Files        4

record_syntax        38

Refresh Table        25

Request Selected Item(s) / Cancel Selected Request(s)        24

Reservation Histories        33

Reservation Status        41

Reserve        40

Reserve Selected Item        25, 40

Save Changes        7

Select SQLite Database        5

Select Viewable Columns        24

Socks5        36 f.

sqlite        36

SQLite        3 f., 6, 11, 13, 23, 27, 30, 48

SRU        43

ssl_enabled        37

Sun UltraSparc        30

System        36 f.

Telephone        39

timeout        38

Tools        22, 48

Translations        46

unaccent()        35

upgrade        48

url_isbn        37

url_issn        37

Userid        11

username        38

video games        6, 39 f.

View        18, 27, 41

View Member’s Reservation History (Patrons Only)        24

View Selected Item(s)        24

Windows        30

xbook_admin        12, 32

xbook_db        12

YAZ        3, 30

yaz_        38

Z39.50        43

 Administrator Privileges        7

[Amazon Back Cover Images]        36

[Amazon Front Cover Images]        36

[Branch-1]        36

[Open Library Cover Images]        37

[Open Library]        37

[SRU-1]        37

[Z39.50-1]        37