Pidgin4Lib
From libraryh3lp
Pidgin4Lib is a customized version of Pidgin. It includes a plugin for support of collaborative IM services. It allows libraries or departments to offer IM services with one public buddy name handled internally by any number of staff members.
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Not Under Active Development
NOTE: This is an internal wiki for project participants (UNC-CH, Duke, and NCSU). This version of the Pidgin4Lib system is no longer being developed, and it has some serious issues. We're developing a web-based version built around Jabber/XMPP that uses the same internal queuing/routing system, and we're releasing that in chunks. The first part available is a web chat widget that uses Javascript (no Flash required). Check it out at [1]
Installing Current Version
- 1.0b as of 7/10/07
1) Pick an installer:
- Pidgin installer - includes GTK You probably want this one.
- Pidgin installer - without GTK Don't use this unless you're sure it's right for you.
2) Get the pidgin4lib.dll plugin:
- Pidgin4Lib plugin Critical importance - unzip to get pidgin4lib.dll and copy into Pidgin's plugins directory. Overwrite the one that is already there. Then enable plugin (Tools-->Plugins).
Documentation
- Night Owl Operators: Signing out your Dispatchers
- TheoryOfOperation
- SetupConfiguration
- SlashCommands including transfer, return, logout, bye, help.
- Powerpoint for overview presentations
- More attractive Powerpoint, given at Software Freedom Day 2007, Chapel Hill
- Operator - how to close window without replying to patron
- Do NOT use GoogleTalk/Gmail accounts as Operators. Very bad things will happen.
- Default plugin configuration text:
All librarians are busy. You are %s in line. Type %s to leave.
Bug Reports
- With Meebome widgets, if the patron closes the window and the librarian keeps typing to the patron, XMPP errors appear on Dispatch. One error box appears per line of text sent by librarian. Operators who cannot see Dispatch will not see these errors and will not know their patron has disappeared.
- File Transfer is very buggy.
- UNC's Pidgin sometimes crashes upon receipt of the remote /logout command
- Operators cannot really block abusive patrons. They will wind up blocking their own Dispatcher. Patrons can be blocked properly from the Dispatch computer.
Features
- One externally known buddy-name.
- Multiple protocol support.
- Any number of staff users, using any protocols.
- Multiple concurrent chat sessions.
- Centralized logging.
- Easy setup and configuration.
- Automatic authorization of incoming requests (MeeboMe widgets and MSN buddy adds).
- File transfer support. [currently pretty broken - ps 8/1/07]
- Typing notifications.
- Ability to transfer calls among operators.
- Maintains a queue of unanswered requests.
- Plays new-chat sound until answered.
- Remote disconnect.
