OSU libraries release mobile catalog application
Through libraries' mobile website, students can access library catalogs via cell phone
Katrina Lorengel
Issue date: 10/13/09 Section: News
By Katrina Lorengel
The Daily Barometer
Accessing OSU Libraries' online catalog has never been easier. A new addition to the libraries' mobile website, which launched in March 2009, now allows students and staff to search the catalog from their mobile phones.
The libraries' mobile website, called MobileLib, provides easy access to library FAQ, location, hours and contacts. Karyle Butcher, the OSU Donald and Delpha Campbell University librarian, said the new mobile services are just one more way to engage users and keep students connected while on the go.
Laurie Bridges, business and economics librarian, and Hannah Rempel, graduate student services coordinator & biosciences librarian, were two of the librarians helping with the mobile catalog project.
"The library is dedicated to providing information to students wherever and whenever they need it," Bridges and Rempel said. "We felt it was important to offer a mobile version of the website so that students could access library information and services with ease while they are on the go."
The new mobile catalog is similar to the online website. However, after searching for a title, author, keyword, call number or ISBN, students can have the information sent to their mobile phones via text or email. Mobile users can also search for course reserves and decide which library branch to search through - the Valley Library, Guin Library or the OSU Cascades library.
Kim Griggs, OSU libraries programmer, along with a student employee, developed the mobile website and catalog. Like most websites, the number of users and page views are monitored to track the efficiency of the site.
"We use tracking software that tells us exactly how many unique visitors the site receives on any given day, as well at what pages users are viewing and how long they are on the site," Griggs said. "The software does not track personal information such as phone numbers or any other data specific to the user."
Not only did the libraries release the new mobile catalog, but they have also released a mobile application that lets students check for available workstations in a library. There are also plans in the works to add a feature to the mobile site that can help students find their friends in a library.
With the mobile catalog being released only two weeks ago, feedback has been somewhat limited. If students would like to leave feedback for the site, visit the OSU Valley Library Facebook page.
Katrina Lorengel, staff writer
737-2231, news@dailybarometer.com
The Daily Barometer
Accessing OSU Libraries' online catalog has never been easier. A new addition to the libraries' mobile website, which launched in March 2009, now allows students and staff to search the catalog from their mobile phones.
The libraries' mobile website, called MobileLib, provides easy access to library FAQ, location, hours and contacts. Karyle Butcher, the OSU Donald and Delpha Campbell University librarian, said the new mobile services are just one more way to engage users and keep students connected while on the go.
Laurie Bridges, business and economics librarian, and Hannah Rempel, graduate student services coordinator & biosciences librarian, were two of the librarians helping with the mobile catalog project.
"The library is dedicated to providing information to students wherever and whenever they need it," Bridges and Rempel said. "We felt it was important to offer a mobile version of the website so that students could access library information and services with ease while they are on the go."
The new mobile catalog is similar to the online website. However, after searching for a title, author, keyword, call number or ISBN, students can have the information sent to their mobile phones via text or email. Mobile users can also search for course reserves and decide which library branch to search through - the Valley Library, Guin Library or the OSU Cascades library.
Kim Griggs, OSU libraries programmer, along with a student employee, developed the mobile website and catalog. Like most websites, the number of users and page views are monitored to track the efficiency of the site.
"We use tracking software that tells us exactly how many unique visitors the site receives on any given day, as well at what pages users are viewing and how long they are on the site," Griggs said. "The software does not track personal information such as phone numbers or any other data specific to the user."
Not only did the libraries release the new mobile catalog, but they have also released a mobile application that lets students check for available workstations in a library. There are also plans in the works to add a feature to the mobile site that can help students find their friends in a library.
With the mobile catalog being released only two weeks ago, feedback has been somewhat limited. If students would like to leave feedback for the site, visit the OSU Valley Library Facebook page.
Katrina Lorengel, staff writer
737-2231, news@dailybarometer.com
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