Librify - Modern Library Management with Refine
Tags: refinehackathon
Published: 2023-07-20 15:47:05

## What I built 
In this project, I built a comprehensive Library Management System using Refine and Supabase. The system allows librarians to add, edit, and delete books from the library catalog. They can manage book copies and track their availability for checkout. Patrons can create accounts and borrow books from the library, and librarians can manage the borrowing and return process seamlessly.

The app utilizes real-time updates to provide instant feedback to users and ensure that changes made by one user are reflected across all active sessions. We also implemented a fine calculation system for overdue books, which automatically calculates the fine based on the due date and return date.

This app includes user authentication and role-based access control to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data and perform administrative tasks. It provides a simple and intuitive user interface designed using Material-UI components for a modern and visually appealing experience.

Overall, I have successfully created a feature-rich and efficient Library Management System, which can greatly benefit librarians and patrons in managing their library resources effectively.

### Category Submission: 

- Best Overall Project
- Most Visually Pleasing
- Most Technical Impressive
- Best Project built using Supabase as the main data provider for the refine app.
- Best Project built using Material UI as the main UI framework for the refine app.

### App Link
[Librify - live](https://librify-theta.vercel.app/)

### Screenshots 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cydpu5xrlnma69wfwzxe.png)
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8or15c7i1za2x4buxvmg.png)
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rayzsj0sg946zgd1z6a0.png)
![SUPABASE - table](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/re9wc0zc7yu1riejgi2j.png)

### Description 
This project is a Library Management System built using the Refine framework. The app allows librarians to efficiently manage books, patrons, and checkouts. It provides a user-friendly interface to perform various library-related tasks, including adding new books, tracking book copies, managing patron accounts, and handling book checkouts and returns.

#### Key Features

- Book Management: Librarians can add new books to the system, including book details like title, author, genre, and ISBN. They can also keep track of the number of copies available for each book.

- Patron Management: The app allows librarians to manage patron accounts, including their names, contact information, and membership status.

- Checkout and Return: Librarians can easily process book checkouts for patrons and record the due date. They can also handle book returns and calculate fines for late returns.

- Overdue Fine Calculation: The system automatically calculates fines for overdue books based on the due date and return date.

- User Authentication: The app ensures secure access to different features based on user roles. Librarians have administrative privileges, while patrons have limited access to their account details and borrowed books.

#### Tech Stack:

- Refine Framework: For building the web application using React and TypeScript.
- Supabase: As the backend and database solution, using PostgreSQL for data storage and authentication.
- Material-UI: For styling and creating a consistent and modern user interface.
- Material-Charts: To display graphical representations of data, such as book lending rates and overdue fines.

## How I Built It:

I chose to build this library management app using the Refine framework due to its extensive features and ease of development. Refine provided us with powerful CRUD operations and an intuitive UI, which significantly accelerated our development process. Additionally, the integration with Supabase for backend services allowed us to quickly handle data storage and user authentication.

Throughout the development process, I learned several new skills and concepts. I deepened our understanding of TypeScript and React and honed our skills in using Material-UI for styling. The project also introduced me to real-time updates, allowing me to create a more dynamic and responsive user experience.

### Background 
My inspiration to build this app stemmed from the realization that many old-school libraries still rely on traditional methods for book management and lending. These outdated systems can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. As former students who have experienced these challenges firsthand, we were motivated to create a modern library management solution that streamlines processes and provides a better user experience.

The traditional approach to book lending often involves manual record-keeping, which can lead to misplaced books, overdue fines, and administrative inefficiencies. This method becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as the library's collection and user base grow.

I recognized the potential of leveraging technology to revolutionize library management. By using the Refine framework, I gained valuable insights into modern web application development and learned new skills in building responsive and user-centric interfaces.

Our goal was to develop an intuitive and feature-rich library management system that not only simplifies book tracking and lending but also empowers librarians to manage their resources efficiently. Moreover, I aimed to enhance the borrowing experience for patrons, making it convenient and enjoyable.

By addressing these challenges, I believe that this library management app can make a significant impact on educational institutions and reading communities. Through automation, real-time data access, and personalized accounts, I sought to create a digital solution that enriches the library experience for everyone involved.

####Challenges Faced:

During development, we faced some challenges, such as:

Handling Real-time Updates: Implementing real-time updates required careful consideration of data synchronization and resolving conflicts to ensure data consistency.

Fine Calculation Logic: Designing and implementing an accurate and efficient fine calculation algorithm for overdue books was a complex task.

Patron Account Security: Ensuring the security of patron account data and limiting access to specific features for different user roles was crucial for data protection.

##Link to Source Code:

[Source Code](https://github.com/JoelJaison394/Librify.git)

##Permissive License:

This project is licensed under the terms of the MIT Licens