Keep Google as the source
Approved sources are imported into sanitized reading views. Background synchronization updates the searchable copy while authorized users can return to the original document.
PageGlade
A self-hosted knowledge base that turns approved Google Drive folders, Docs, and Sheets into searchable documentation for school staff.
01 / 05Documentation home
Collections and pinned pages give staff a starting point. Fictional demonstration content.
The idea
Useful documentation often lives across shared folders, documents, and spreadsheets. Staff need a readable, searchable place to find it without maintaining another copy by hand.
What went into it
PageGlade connects a Next.js reader and administration interface to a PostgreSQL-backed import and search pipeline. Approved Google Drive sources become collections, Docs become readable pages, and Sheets retain a worksheet view. Background workers handle synchronization, retries, and persistent jobs. The project has reached a private pilot, with broader rollout and acceptance work still in progress.
Design & engineering decisions
Respect access throughout the reader
Collection navigation, search, and direct document links apply reader permissions. Administration and source approval remain separate from a reader’s ability to open or edit a Google file.
Design around reading
Nested navigation, breadcrumbs, pinned pages, and document search help staff find their place. Spreadsheet views preserve tab context, and content updates retain the reader’s position.
Make imports recoverable
Persistent worker jobs, retries, source-health information, and audit records give administrators a way to understand and recover from failed synchronization.