There are already a number of mobile phone apps for library catalogues around--from specific LMS vendors and others and taking up Phil's last point .....a UK National Public Library Catalogue is happening (https://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/National+Catalogue) and OCLC (providers of the underlying-- 'WorldCat' -infrastructure) already provide mobile device accessibility -- so maybe this is the way to go? No need to do it for each library authority?
There is some interesting comment on the usability of the mobile phone approach on Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox, September 26, 2011:
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/mobile-usability.html
In terms of the 'app' vs. mobile web site debate he had this to say:
'While a mobile site is good, a mobile app is even better. We measured a success rate of 76% when people used mobile apps, which is much higher than the 64% recorded for mobile-specific websites.'
Ken
Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask] www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Phil Jones
Sent: 03 October 2011 10:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Native mobile apps versus web apps
Dear All
I know alot of Library Services will have been thinking about library apps for mobile phones recently and wondered if it was something that ought to be discussed here as it's quite expensive to pay for a native app and it may be that a web app (or mobile phone friendly website) is more appropriate.
Having been to an e-content conference at Coventry and heard what alot of public sector web developers had to say - they don't seem very keen on native apps (which need to be downloaded via app stores or markets). They prefer web apps as they're skeptical that customers will go to the effort of downloading an app just to access each specific local government service - are they going to download a bins app, a library app, a swimming pool app etc. etc.?
In my opinion, our customers see us all as "local government" and want us to be as accessible as possible - given that roughly 30% of hits on local authority websites now come from smartphones and this number will rise, it may make more sense just to ensure we have mobile phone friendly websites in the first place. There's a danger of going into native mobile apps just for the prestige but I personally think there's got to be a really good reason for going to the expense and hassle of developing native apps which then need different versions to support i-phones, HTC's, Blackberry's etc and also will need ongoing development of new versions for each platform as the landscape changes. With a web app, any smartphone can access it without downloading anything and only one version needs to be developed for all platforms (although as with any website, it will require ongoing development).
And finally, on one of my favourite subjects - if we're going to have a native library app, better it be a national library app that gives you access to one unified catalogue of stock available anywhere in the UK and all the wonderful online resources that we make available nationally as part of each citizens right to quality online information... (if we keep talking about it then it might happen!)
Kind regards
Phil Jones
ICT & Information Coordinator
Coventry Libraries and Information Services
Floor 1, West Orchards House
28-34 Corporation Street
Coventry
CV1 1GF
Tel: 024 7683 2329
Fax: 024 7683 2180
Email:[log in to unmask]
Visit us at www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries
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