/ Plugin Category

/ Content Management

/ Document Management & Downloads

/ Link Library

Link Library

By Yannick Lefebvre

Content Management / Document Management & Downloads

Reviewed by Abdul Hameid

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Link Library Review - In-Depth Analysis

Link Library allows you to create a page with a list of link categories and links with notes. It supports user submissions and RSS feeds.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.17/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 97+ reviews)

Active Installations

10,000+

Update Frequency

Outstanding It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

6.32 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin is used to create a page on your website that contains a list of all the link categories defined in the Links section of the WordPress administration, along with all links in these categories. Users can select which categories to display or hide. Link Library offers a mode where only one category is shown at a time, using AJAX or HTML Get queries to load other categories based on user input.

The plugin can display a search box to find results based on queries. It also includes a form for user submissions, allowing the site administrator to moderate new entries before they are listed. Additionally, it can generate an RSS feed for your link collection, informing users of additions to your link library.

Link Library uses the filter method to add content to pages and features a configuration page in the admin tools for output customization. This page allows for an unlimited number of configurations to display links on different pages of a WordPress site.

For screenshots showing how to achieve these results, check out my site. All pages are generated using different configurations managed by Link Library. The plugin is compatible with the Simple Custom Post Order plugin to define category and link ordering.

Comparing to Alternatives

Link Library stands alone in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique choice for users seeking a robust link management solution.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Highly functional and advanced link directory capabilities
User-friendly setup with intuitive interface
Customizable front-end layout and back-end functionality
Responsive developer addressing user feedback promptly
Robust search and organizational features for links

Weaknesses

No paid version or premium features available
Some PHP notices related to script and style enqueuing
Limited options to disable added scripts and styles
Security vulnerabilities have been historically significant but addressed in recent updates

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong majority of 5-star ratings (79.4%) and an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, users generally praise the plugin's functionality and developer responsiveness. Negative feedback is minimal but highlights some technical issues.

Positive highlights

"A great plugin and attentive developer" - Colleen Gratzer
"My favorite links plugin" - Nicole6870
"Most powerful plugin in its category" - Peter
"Simple to get started, with lots of advanced options" - photoMaldives
"Simple. Powerful. Useful." - atlasjack

Common complaints

Throws multiple PHP Notices related to 'wp_enqueue_style' function calls

Weaknesses

Technical issues with script and style enqueuing causing PHP notices
Lack of options to disable unnecessary scripts and styles
Historical security vulnerabilities requiring prompt updates

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a powerful and feature-rich link directory plugin with advanced customization and a responsive developer.

Not ideal for

Users who require a plugin with minimal technical warnings or those concerned about past security vulnerabilities despite recent fixes.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers a comprehensive set of features for creating and managing a searchable and customizable link library.

Final Verdict

Link Library is a standout plugin in its niche, offering extensive functionality and customization options that satisfy most users' needs. Its high rating and positive user feedback reflect its reliability and the developer's commitment to improvements.

However, users should be aware of past security vulnerabilities that have been addressed in recent updates and some technical issues related to script handling. Those comfortable with managing these aspects will find Link Library a valuable tool for link management on WordPress sites.