Managing HTML widgets

HTML widgets are distinct bits of code that can be added to a search result display, detail display, or My List display to add functionality to the display. A widget uses a combination of hidden search fields that act as hooks that the widget uses to identify context, custom HTML that is displayed with each item in the search results or in the detail display when the context is correct, and custom Javascript that adds functionality (such as creating a citation from the fields in the item detail). Not all are necessary for the widget to function. Widgets can be initiated as part of the page load, from a button, or from the drop-down menu in the display.

Portfolio also includes a special token that can be used in the html to identify items in the search results and detail display that helps distinguish which item the function acts on.

Widgets can be added to specific search result displays and item detail display. A widget may be used in multiple displays and a display can use more than one widget. However, a widget may be designed for a specific display type (such as search results or detail) and would not work for other types. For all delivered widgets, the types of displays they are designed to work for are indicated in the widget description.

Portfolio includes several HTML widgets that create functionality that you can add to search result, detail, and My List displays. Many of the widgets need some configuration (such as user ID, password, or other account configuration) to make them work with your system. The comments within the HTML or JavaScript code of the widgets indicate what customizations you need to make for the widget to work in your system.

For more information, see these topics: