Library Mobile

My local county library offers native iPhone app for reserving books, looking up library hours and other library services such as reference help. I have been able to really look at this app and determine what areas are a success for the patron and what other areas fall short.

The fact you can reserve materials on the go and get library working hours on you smartphone is practical. I can imagine college students looking for materials and they can reserve it via the app or just call the library to put it on hold while they are driving there. Also there is a "Ask a librarian" feature but turn around time for response is never consistent.

The bad side of developing mobile native apps is the constant need to make updates to accommodate technology change. With the recent release of iPhone 5, the County of Los Angeles Library app does not take advantage of the larger screen size. Unlike a native app, WAP (Wireless application protocol) are more flexible since they are websites built just for mobile experience and tend to be more flexible with whatever device being viewed. In addition with libraries having budget problems WAP is more economical compared to native app.

Some suggestions for new iteration of this app:

• More integration of social media, so patrons are checking in libraries so their friends can see people go to the library.
• People have enough gadgets to carry around them daily, add library card to the app so it’s a digital library card.
• Have a section of the top picks or most check out when searching materials. Sometimes people need a pre-selected list of materials to help them get started on reserving items. That feeling of I wants to read something but not sure what... so patrons expect the library to give them suggestions.
• Utilize QR codes on materials and built in the mobile app to give an enhance experience when viewing materials.
  
  http://www.colapublib.org/gomobile/