PHP and PostgreSQL Web Content Management Systems at Western Michigan University Libraries

This chapter introduces the design of a PHP and PostgreSQL content management system as a means of maintaining content within a library’s online subject guide collection. It argues that the content management system, combined with distributed authorship, provides an efficient and effective way to manage a large growing body of content that changes frequently. Furthermore, the author hopes that understanding the process of building a content management system, from system and data requirements to database design and content display, will not only inform librarians and technical staff of good system design practices, but also assist in the understanding of a content-driven library Web site.