[Web4lib] CMS + homegrown code (making the transition)

[Kozlowski,Brendon]

I'm in the same situation as you, Ken.  I'm currently moving towards (eventually) implementing my own CMS to handle this, but this will take time as I also need to continue building and maintaining current projects, as well as additional projects that have been approved.
 
So far I've only had time to implement authentication from an external source, and will be implementing access control next, but if something out there exists that does not put a stranglehold on how to manage the data and where the data comes from...  I'm thinking (for a PHP developer) that ExpressionEngine is probably the best bet, but I haven't yet looked closely enough at it to know for sure.  If it is, I'll probably wait for version 2.0 when it's built using CodeIgniter.
 
Good topic for discussion.
 
 
 
Brendon Kozlowski
Web Administrator
Saratoga Springs Public Library
49 Henry Street
Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866
[518] 584-7860 x217

________________________________

From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Ken Irwin
Sent: Mon 10/19/2009 11:35 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] CMS + homegrown code (making the transition)



Hi all,

Taking the CMS question in a slightly different direction: I currently have a library website that's all done in hand-coded html + php. I'm interested in moving toward a CMS, but I'm afraid of "losing control". So much of our current site is custom-built stuff with a lot of PHP running in the background (everything from database-driven dynamic content for things like our list of databases to a homegrown equivalent of the Serials Solutions A-Z search).

Can I have both?  Do any or all of the CMS products allow for plenty of custom content too? If I move to a CMS, what happens to my database-of-databases? My myriad homemade tools? Can I still leverage the power of that system, or replicate it in an easier-to-use form? I want to join you all in the 21st century where I don't have to do everything with a hand-crank, but I'm afraid of being boxed in by the limitations of "what someone else wants me to have".

Any advice, wisdom, guidance, or horror-stories?

Thanks!
Ken



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