SubjectsPlus

=SubjectsPlus = toc

What is SubjectsPlus?
SubjectsPlus is a free and open source alternative to creating subject guides. SubjectsPlus is database driven and requires a web server with MySQL later than version 4.1 and PHP later than version 5, preferably later than version 5.2. In addition to subject or course guides, SubjectPlus can help manage an A-Z List of Databases, FAQs, a Suggestion Box, and a Staff List. Ease of use, the ability to adapt the program to meet varying needs and styles and documentation are among the reasons cited for using SubjectsPlus. Support options include an active SubjectsPlus Google Group and a TroubleShooting Wiki. Introduction to the program is available through videos on the website, a wiki, or a live demo can be arranged. Customization of SubjectsPlus requires some familiarity with coding.

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History
SubjectsPlus was adapted from PirateSource, an earlier subject guide solution developed at East Carolina University's Joyner Library, by web developer, Andrew Darby. From 2004 to 2011, Darby served as Web Services Librarian at Ithaca College Library. While at Ithaca, Darby was responsible for the library’s web presence. He came across Pirate Source as a possible subject guide solution for Ithaca College Library. He received permission to adapt the earlier program, which was no longer being maintained. The resulting product, SubjectsPlus, is licensed under the GNU General Public License. Darby is currently Head of Web & Emerging Technologies at the University of Miami Libraries and continues to be the lead developer of SubjectsPlus.

Boxes, formerly known as Pluslets
During the creation of a subject guide, the subject specialist developing the guide has the opportunity to include numerous Boxes. The name of this feature switched from Pluslets to Boxes with the release of Version 1.0 in 2010. The functionality has remained the same. When selecting the button for a “New Box”, the Palette of Pluslets appears. Pluslets such as RSS Feeds, Flickr Images, Twitter Feeds can be dragged into the guide. While there are several readily available Boxes, it is also possible to customize additional Boxes as needed. Familiarity with coding is needed to customize Boxes.

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Examples of SubjectPlus Features
Guides (Ithaca College) A-Z List (Buffalo State) FAQs (Wheelock College) Suggestion Box (IC) Staff List (IC) See also Sites using SubjectsPlus.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">From http://www.subjectsplus.com/

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**References**
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Blackburn, G. & Walker, M. (2011). Subject guides & more: Creatively transforming an open source management system. //The Code4Lib Journal//(12). Retrieved from http://journal.code4lib.org/articles/4161

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Corrado, E. M. & Frederick, K. A. (2008). Free and open source options for creating database-driven subject guides. //The Code4Lib Journal(//2). Retrieved from http://journal.code4lib.org/articles/47

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">(2011). Google Groups Subjects Plus. Retrieved from http://groups.google.com/group/subjectsplus

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">(2011). SubjectsPlus put it all together. Retrieved from http://www.subjectsplus.com/