Creating a Reverse Proxy Cache using Open Source Software - Part 2

In my previous post, we installed the Squid proxy server on a computer running Fedora. Once the proxy is up and running, we can configure our ILS to point to it for our content.

For the purposes of this example, I am referring to a SirsiDynix GL3.1 ILS, running the iBistro opac. Obviously, these settings are ILS dependent.

In the /s/sirsi/Unicorn/Webcat/Config directory, you should have the file system.env. This file contains changes made to the default (ibistro.env) iBistro settings.

First, find the link enrichment URL statements in the ibistro.env file. You can edit the file with vi and use the "/" command to find them (such as /LINK_ENRICHMENT). Copy these lines down.

Next, using vi or another editor, edit the system.env file and paste those lines in it, but edit them to note your proxy address. On my system, these lines look like:

# reverse proxy cache added

LINK_ENRICHMENT_URL_PT1(pipe)http://yourcachenamehere/index.aspx?isbn=(pipe)

LINK_ENRICHMENT_URL_PT2(pipe)&client=sirsi&type=rw12(pipe)

For some reason, blogger doesn't like me using the PIPE symbol -- so replace the (pipe)'s above with pipe symbols.

Obviously, your proxy name must be placed in the "yourcachenamehere" space. Your system may also have differing paramaters in the PT2 line. Make sure you duplicate those parameters from the original lines in ibistro.env into your system.env file.

Save the file, and exit. These changes take place immediately on the next search that is started.

If you do not have a SirsiDynix ILS, check your config files for mentions of Syndetics. Replace any notation of Syndetics with your proxy address, and you should be good to go.