Have you ever wanted to add your favorite book’s thumbnail or description to webpage or blog? I did, but I couldn’t find a really good book knowledgebase/database where I could query for book information and thumbs.
I found two really great options:
Both are identical implementations, but one is run by an open source community and doesn’t force you to display proprietary images. Both provide an easy to use JSON interface that lets you quickly incorporate the data into your website with javascript (or your other preferred JSON compatible language).
I found Open Library to be the best for the following reasons:
- The system is open source, and allows users to add new books, modify existing entries, and much more. It is wiki.
- The system lets you choose what size thumbnail you would like to use.
- There is a plethora of documentation available on their site.
To come later: the javascript I’m using myself!
