Library catalogues used to be recorded on index sized cards in large cases. Now they can be on your phone.
An app called BookMyne that can be downloaded for free to iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, now allows users to
access the records that The Samuel Read Hall Library at LSC contains.
“It’s a modest app,” said Graham Sherriff, Public Services Librarian at Lyndon’s library. “It’s not bleeding edge technology, but for searching the
catalogue, it does basic stuff
extremely well.”
All of the Vermont State College’s library catalogues are available through BookMyne. Through this app, the title, author,
publications details, call number, and availability of the item can be seen.
On this app, you can choose whichever library you are looking for material in, and then search for information by keyword,
subject, title, or author. From there, you can view books, DVD’s, CD’s, audiobooks, and every other item that the library physically contains.
Sherriff says how even while working in the library, he finds this app to be more convenient than going to a computer and logging on to the library website.
“On a computer it can be really inconvenient, on BookMyne it can be quick and easy,”
Sherriff says of his own experience with it. “The benefits are even greater for someone who isn’t on campus.”
This is one move toward technology, which is important for libraries.
“The long history of
libraries has been a steady progression toward making information sources more accessible and convenient for users,” Said Sherriff. “Mobile technology is the way to do that. If this didn’t exist, I would be asking why.”
This app also has a “My
Account” tab, which shows you what books you have out, if you have any fines for overdue or lost material, and lets you place holds and renew items.
Another tab that it has in the app is “Suggested”. This shows items that have won awards and the most popular items according to the New York Times bestseller lists.
You can also create a GoodReads account online, which can work with
BookMyne. This tracks your reads, and suggests other books based on the books you have read. BookMyne works with this app to suggest books that you may like.