I have been asked by a friend if I can make their existing Library db more modern and user friendly, whilst incorporating it into their existing website.
The existing db is a simple access db containing thousands of books and dvds (nursery school). They require a simple (but fast) search facility where they can search multiple datasets i.e books and/or dvds - think Twitter typeahead.js example here (http://twitter.github.io/typeahead.js/examples/#multiple-datasets)
They currently have a Joomla 3.x site which I created, and they would like a the new Library db to be incorporated 'within this' having a single login for the website and Library search.
Their requirements are that registered users/staff should be able to;
- search for either books and/or dvds
- add/edit existing records (preferably from the front-end)
My question is, what would be the best way to approach such a task?
I am able to create a stand along application that can accomplish this, using Twitter typeahead.js (http://twitter.github.io/typeahead.js/examples) and a stand alone database, however how would I incorporate this into the existing Joomla website?
Do I 'link to' this application from within Joomla, or would I need to import the Library db into Joomla then work from there?
This is quite new to me so I welcome any advice or ideas that anybody has. Also, if there is a better or more efficient way or accomplishing this task please let me know.
Ideally I would like to use Twitter typeahead.js as the functionality is much more impressive than the core Joomla search.