Dear all
Been following this thread with interest – particularly in the light of a recent discussion about smartphones on the RFID list.
I asked Neil (of Solus) to give us his view of the future use of smartphones in the library, with particular reference to RFID. His excellent and thought-provoking presentation is available on CILIP’s website at http://www.cilip.org.uk/rfid2012/Documents/4.%20SOLUS%20RFID%20Presentation%2015.11.12.pdf
I certainly believe that libraries need to engage more with smartphones and similar devices. The Internet of Things – which uses technologies like NFC (an RFID protocol) has long since moved off the drawing board into the real world – with the help of a a few million euros worth of investment being contributed by the EU – and as Andrew points out the trend is away from browser-based access to services.
One small caveat – and the reason for mentioning the RFID list yet again (sorry) - is that many NFC-equipped devices like some android phones - can write as well as read data. Or indeed erase it altogether. So it would be wise to know if your collection is vulnerable to this possibility (and almost all of them are) before encouraging too much interaction between stock and smartphones.
Mick
Library RFID Ltd
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From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Scrogham, Andrew
Sent: 31 January 2013 11:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Solus App
I think some really good arguments for the use of mobile apps have been put forward, as well as reservations that exist around their use (not least the cost). However, I honestly believe that the key to this argument is how can we afford not to offer a mobile app for library users? There’s plenty of research about which suggests that more people will be accessing the internet via mobile devices than desktop, possibly even by this year http://www.economist.com/news/21566417-2013-internet-will-become-mostly-mobile-medium-who-will-be-winners-and-losers-live-and
It’s another example of us as a service needing to be aware of how the world is developing…if we don’t then we’ll get left behind (again).
Kind regards,
Andrew
Andrew Scrogham
Service Manager: Information and Digital
Newcastle Libraries
Adult and Culture Services Directorate
City Library Tel: 0191 277 4150
Charles Avison Building Fax : 0191 277 4137
33 New Bridge Street West e-mail [log in to unmask]
Newcastle upon Tyne. Web www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries
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-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of liz.rodger
Sent: 31 January 2013 11:18
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Solus App
We've been discussing the comments in the office - I'm told the advantage is in firstly the way the app displays the website on a smart phone and secondly - suppose you are in a book shop and decide you don't actually want to purchase the book but would like to borrow it - you scan the barcode and it will tell you which library has the book and give you directions and contact information for that library. So there is more to the app than just allowing you to search a known catalogue for an item. We have been using the Solus app for some months now.
Liz
Liz Rodger
IT&Support Services Librarian
East Kilbride Central Library
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust
40 The Olympia
Town Centre
East Kilbride
G74 1PG
Tel: 01355 570521
Fax: 01355 229365
-----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
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
-----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
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
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