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Thanks Robert That is really interesting. A recent audit by SOCITM looked at reserving a book online condemned most library sites as awful. This is a real condemnation on us as information professionals. Maybe we should spend more time on ensuring our web presence meets peoples' needs rather than investing in expensive shortcuts. Having said that anything which makes it easier for people to use our services is a good thing. Philip -----Original Message----- From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Roberts, Darren Sent: 31 January 2013 09:15 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Solus App Really depends on your point of view. Many library catalogues are simply not user friendly on mobile devices - a member of the public won't intuitively know where to go for example. A member of library staff will know, and probably has the library pages bookmarked. Many library pages are very well hidden - especially on council websites, so navigating just to get to the catalogue can be a real pain. Some councils are better than others. But Joe Bloggs won't necessarily know, from a small screen, where to be looking. Is it Leisure and Culture these days looking after libraries in Council X? Most sites (not all), usually go like this: 1. Find library pages - next step, where is the catalogue? 2. Possibly under electronic resources, but not always - but usually something like find a book, renew or similar 3. And now I get to a page that tells me what the catalogue is and how to use it. 4. I now get to the catalogue An app - and there are many including LibraryAnywhere (from LibraryThing), Solus, BookMyne (SirsiDynix), AirPac etc - are designed to be easily read and are optimised for smaller screens. Discoverability of collections is the key thing here so an app may help, but clear navigation on websites is also key to your collection, and showcasing collections in other ways helps too - so Facebook, Twitter, book display carousels on homepages etc. Just my thoughts! Best Wishes, Darren Roberts Bowker UK (can answer any questions about LibraryAnywhere, catalogue enrichment etc) -----Original Message----- From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Philip Wark Sent: 31 January 2013 08:55 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Solus App I know this may be an heretical question but what added value does an app give? As far as I can tell it only provides information and tasks already available on the website. I was at a training session last week and wanted to know if the library service had a particular book. I went to the website on my phone and checked the catalogue. It didn't take that long - an app may save half a minute in searching time. It is worth the money??? Best wishes Philip Wark Library Services Manager Midlothian Council - Education and Children's Services Library HQ 2 Clerk Street Loanhead Midlothian EH20 9DR tel: 0131 271 3971 fax: 0131 440 4635 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Iona Preston Sent: 30 January 2013 17:44 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Solus App We are investigating getting the Solus library app - would anyone who already uses this be able to share their experience with me? I'm interested in how it's best used, user experience etc. Thanks very much Iona =========================================================================== The information contained in this message may be confidential or legally privileged and is intended for the addressee only. If you have received this message in error or there are any problems please notify the originator immediately. If you are not the intended recipient you should not use, disclose, distribute, copy, print, or rely on this e-mail. All communication sent to or from Midlothian Council may be subject to recording and/or monitoring in accordance with relevant legislation. =========================================================================== This message has been scanned for malware by Websense. www.websense.com =========================================================================== The information contained in this message may be confidential or legally privileged and is intended for the addressee only. If you have received this message in error or there are any problems please notify the originator immediately. If you are not the intended recipient you should not use, disclose, distribute, copy, print, or rely on this e-mail. All communication sent to or from Midlothian Council may be subject to recording and/or monitoring in accordance with relevant legislation. ===========================================================================