BookPals - Book Library Management System

A comprehensive web-based library management system for tracking books, managing loans, and building reading communities.

Overview

BookPals is a full-stack web application that modernizes library management through an intuitive interface and powerful backend. Built with Node.js and Redis, it provides librarians and patrons with tools to manage book collections, track loans, search inventory, and connect readers with similar interests.

Key Features

• Book Catalog Management: Add, edit, and organize book collections
• User Management: Patron accounts with borrowing history
• Loan Tracking: Check-out/check-in system with due date management
• Advanced Search: Multi-criteria search (title, author, ISBN, genre)
• Reservation System: Hold books currently on loan
• Reading Lists: Personal collections and recommendations
• Overdue Notifications: Automatic email reminders
• Analytics Dashboard: Library usage statistics and trends

Tech Stack

• Backend: Node.js, Express.js
• Database: Redis (for fast data access and caching)
• Frontend: JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, CSS3
• Authentication: JWT tokens, bcrypt password hashing
• APIs: RESTful API design
• Session Management: Redis sessions

Technical Highlights

• Designed efficient Redis data structures for book and user data
• Implemented RESTful API with Express for all CRUD operations
• Built responsive frontend with vanilla JavaScript (no frameworks)
• Created search functionality with fuzzy matching and filters
• Developed authentication system with JWT tokens
• Implemented middleware for authorization and validation
• Built real-time availability checking
• Created automated email notification system for due dates
• Optimized Redis queries for fast response times

Results

• Successfully deployed functional library management system
• Handled concurrent users with efficient session management
• Achieved sub-second search response times using Redis
• Improved library operations efficiency
• Demonstrated full-stack development capabilities
• Showcased database design and optimization skills

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Fast search across large book collections
Solution: Implemented Redis sorted sets for indexed searching

Challenge: Managing concurrent book reservations
Solution: Used Redis transactions to prevent race conditions

Challenge: Organizing complex relational data in Redis (NoSQL)
Solution: Designed efficient key-value schema with references

Challenge: Real-time availability updates
Solution: Leveraged Redis pub/sub for instant notifications

Database Schema

• Users: Hash structures with user details and borrowing history
• Books: Hash structures with metadata and availability status
• Loans: Sorted sets ordered by due date for efficient tracking
• Reservations: Lists managing hold queues
• Sessions: Ephemeral data with TTL for security

Impact

BookPals demonstrates how modern web technologies can improve traditional library operations. By leveraging Redis for speed and Node.js for scalability, it creates an efficient system that enhances both librarian workflows and patron experiences.

API Endpoints

• GET /api/books - List all books
• POST /api/books - Add new book
• GET /api/books/:id - Get book details
• PUT /api/books/:id - Update book
• DELETE /api/books/:id - Remove book
• POST /api/loans - Check out book
• PUT /api/loans/:id/return - Check in book
• GET /api/users/:id/history - Borrowing history
• POST /api/reservations - Reserve book

Future Enhancements

• Mobile app for patrons
• Barcode scanning integration
• AI-powered book recommendations
• Integration with external library databases
• E-book lending support
• Multi-branch support