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Public Library 'Apps'

News

Innovative Interfaces- new mobile app for Polaris and Sierra library systems

From the web site: “With a focus on safety and contactless service, Innovative Mobile simplifies receiving online payments and provides low-cost patron self-service options, including a digital library card and a self-check via barcode or RFID. In addition, a “Curbside Pickup” option is available for patrons to reserve items in the app and be notified when it’s time to pick up, and an “I’m Here” option to alert the library the patron is ready for pickup curbside”.

Solus UK Acquires Boopsie Mobile App Division from Demco, Inc

From the Press Release

“Boopsie customers will transition to the Solus app, which will provide increased functionality, multiple language support and curbside pickup Solus UK, LTD is pleased to announce it has acquired the Boopsie mobile app and customer base from Demco, Inc. All Boopsie customers will be migrated to the latest Solus Library App at no additional cost to their existing subscription.

OCLC mobile apps

Capira

OCLC acquired Capira in 2020. Capira products include: custom mobile library apps (CapiraMobile℠), an off-the-shelf mobile library app (CapiraReady℠) and a curbside reservation web platform (CapiraCurbside℠). We are also the exclusive reseller of MuseumKey℠ (circulation of museum passes) and LendingKey℠ (circulation of physical items, such as e-readers, hotspots, instruments, etc.).

Digby
From the OCLC website: “Digby is a mobile app that is available as part of your library’s WorldShare Management Services (WMS) subscription. The Digby app is for use by your student workers, volunteers, and staff and provides clear instructions for handling a range of common library tasks from reshelving items to basic inventory, and more.

Responsive design vs Apps

In order to offer library system functionality on an mobile device (tablet or phone) venders may offer a 'responsive design ' approach. In essence this resizes the existing web based functionality to fit on a smaller (mobile or tablet screen). Delivering Responsive Web Design via the Library OPAC - a literature review. Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Vendors may also offer an Apps. Apps have to be downloaded (from an 'app store' -eg Apple's app store, Google play) onto the mobile device and generally provide a different user experience -for example workflows and functions may be tailored to better exploit working on a mobile device.

Articles

Public Library Mobile App Survey

Public Library Mobile App Survey, Conducted by Library Journal Research January 2018
This is a US study. “SirsiDynix teamed up with Library Journal research to create a survey for public libraries about mobile apps. Objectives of the study were to learn:

  • Percentage of libraries with mobile apps.
  • App features that are most important to libraries
  • Functionality libraries wish their app had.
  • How libraries market their app.
  • Vendors used for apps.
  • If libraries do not have an app, why not?”

Public library mobile apps in Scotland

Public library mobile apps in Scotland : views from the local authorities and the public. By Kerr, Alan and Pennington, Diane (2017)

Library Hi Tech. ISSN 0737-8831 (In Press) , http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091

Purpose – The purpose of this research was to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps. Findings – All 32 Authorities responded. Seventeen Authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No Authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from Authorities without an app stated interest in apps.

Practical implications – It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation. Originality/value – This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use

apps.txt · Last modified: 2020/10/14 21:32 by 86.154.237.106