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<h1>Public Library 'Apps'</h1>
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<h2>Solus UK Acquires Boopsie Mobile App Division from Demco, Inc</h2>
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From the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/solus-uk-ltd/" class="urlextern" title="https://www.linkedin.com/company/solus-uk-ltd/" rel="nofollow">Press Release</a>
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"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.
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<h2>Introduction</h2>
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Library services were the first local government services to gain widespread public use on the web so it's good to see library 'apps' emerging. Sometimes these have been developed by the libraries themselves (e.g. Edinburgh) and sometimes they have been developed by companies that sell library systems and technologies (eg OCLC and SirsiDynix).
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<ul>
<li class="level1"> <b>Solus</b>  is a significant library mobile app provider for UK public libraries <a href="https://wp.sol.us/demo-6/" class="urlextern" title="https://wp.sol.us/demo-6/" rel="nofollow">Solus Mobile Apps</a></li>
<li class="level1"> For example <a href="http://www.yourlibraryapp.co.uk/sunderland/" class="urlextern" title="http://www.yourlibraryapp.co.uk/sunderland/" rel="nofollow">Sunderland Public Library App</a></li>
<li class="level1"> In 2017 Solus partnered with<b> SirsiDynix</b></li>
<li class="level1"> Press Release: <a href="http://www.sirsidynix.com/press/sirsidynix-announces-new-mobile-app-development-partner-solus" class="urlextern" title="http://www.sirsidynix.com/press/sirsidynix-announces-new-mobile-app-development-partner-solus" rel="nofollow">SirsiDynix Announces New Mobile App Development Partner</a>: SOLUS. SirsiDynix partners with leading library app developer SOLUS to build new mobile discovery application. January 20, 2017</li>
<li class="level1"> <b>Capita</b>  has a '<a href="https://www.capita-readingcloud.co.uk/products-and-services/imls" class="urlextern" title="https://www.capita-readingcloud.co.uk/products-and-services/imls" rel="nofollow">Reading Cloud</a>' app focused on school libraries</li>
<li class="level1"> The <b>Civica</b>  Spydus system has an app. For example in use in <a href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/library-services/libraries-mobile-app" class="urlextern" title="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/library-services/libraries-mobile-app" rel="nofollow">Norfolk libraries</a></li>
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<b>Responsive web design</b>
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An alternative approach to an 'App' (ie something a user downloads from an App store eg Apple or Android) is 'responsive web design' which enables content to be reformatted and re-sized for better delivery on a tablet or smartphone.
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<a href="http://anleabharlannai.blogspot.com/2016/10/delivering-responsive-web-design-via.html" class="urlextern" title="http://anleabharlannai.blogspot.com/2016/10/delivering-responsive-web-design-via.html" rel="nofollow">Delivering Responsive Web Design via the Library OPAC</a>
 - a literature review. Wednesday, 26 October 2016
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<h3>Useful articles</h3>
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<a href="http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/61290/1/Kerr_Pennington_LHT_2017_Public_library_mobile_apps_in_Scotland_views.pdf" class="urlextern" title="http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/61290/1/Kerr_Pennington_LHT_2017_Public_library_mobile_apps_in_Scotland_views.pdf" rel="nofollow">Public library mobile apps in Scotland</a> : views from the local authorities and the public. By Kerr, Alan and Pennington, Diane (2017)
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Library Hi Tech. ISSN 0737-8831 (In Press) , <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091" class="urlextern" title="http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091" rel="nofollow">http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091</a>
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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.
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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
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<h2>Library Apps -some examples</h2>
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<h3>Leeds</h3>
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"Now you can find a title, reserve, borrow or renew it, straight from your mobile.
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<li class="level1"> Barcode scan</li>
<li class="level1"> Why buy when you can borrow? The app allows you to scan the barcode on any title, anywhere, then search the catalogue to see if you can borrow it.</li>
<li class="level1"> Library information</li>
<li class="level1"> From events to opening hours to directions, regularly updated service information gives you all the knowledge you need.</li>
<li class="level1"> and much more besides!</li>
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<h3>Gloucestershire</h3>
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he library app will enable existing and new customers to use their smart phones and tablets to search the library catalogue and reserve books, DVDs and e-books online, wherever they are.
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<h3>Manchester</h3>
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Access Manchester Libraries from your Android phone or tablet. Manage your account, search the catalogue, renew and reserve books"
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<h3>Edinburgh City Libraries</h3>
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'<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2011/mar/09/edinburgh-libraries-app" class="urlextern" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2011/mar/09/edinburgh-libraries-app" rel="nofollow">Edinburgh city council launches libraries app.</a> Free library application locates the nearest library in Edinburgh.' Guardian Government Computing. Guardian Professional, Wednesday 9 March 2011
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<h3>Dorset</h3>
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The library has two mobile apps, one to browse the catalogue available at your local library and one to browse and download Audio and Ebooks provided by Dorset Libraries.
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<h3>Worcestershire County Council</h3>
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<li class="level1"> Search for a Book, DVD, CD and more in you local library, check the availability or when its next available and search more from your favourite author, director, etc</li>
<li class="level1"> View information and contact details of Worcestershire libraries including opening times and facilities available.</li>
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