# Overview

**Software Checkout** is a Node.js app for libraries and other institutions to allow dynamic request and assignment of software licenses. Users can request license access by signing up for a time-slot using SpringShare's [LibCal](https://www.springshare.com/libcal/); the app then updates license assignments with the vendor's user management API to assign or a revoke licenses at the appropriate time.

The main Software Checkout app does not have its own web interface, but there is an admin web console to provide an easy way for admins to check on the status of license assignments, usage statistics, and examination of system logs.

Learn more about this project in our open-source journal article:

* Irwin, K., & Bomholt, M. (2024). On-Demand Circulation of Software Licenses: Checking Out Software on Patrons’ Own Devices. Information Technology and Libraries, 43(2). <https://doi.org/10.5860/ital.v43i2.16977>

## Current Supported Vendors

* [Adobe Creative Cloud](https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html)
* [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) (manages MacOS and iOS software)

## Requirements

* [Node.js ](https://nodejs.org/en/about)24
* LibCal subscription

## GitHub Repo

<https://github.com/Miamiohlibs/SoftwareCheckout2>

## Credits

Developed by Ken Irwin at Miami University, in cooperation with Michael Bomholt.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://miamiohlib.gitbook.io/software-checkout/overview.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
