Comments on: Mobile Option: Boopsie For Libraries

By: Oleg K.

Oleg K. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:59:59 +0000

I’ve been using the Boopsie app offered by the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) as a patron since it came out (sometime last year, I think) and I’m very happy with the way it works. I primarily use it to search for books in the catalog and put them on hold as well as renewing materials. Something that I look at only occasionally (but I think is a good idea) are the book lists LAPL staff from various Central Library subject departments creates. Every so often, I see a book in there that I haven’t heard of that sounds interesting for me or someone I know (like one of my patrons).

The only issue with the app is that it sometimes stretches images which creates an unpleasant aesthetic effect. But this is really a very minor thing. In general, it works quickly and efficiently.

By: Brian Herzog

Brian Herzog — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:05:39 +0000

@Krista: I’m not sure I’m qualified to have an opinion: I don’t have a cell phone, so I’ve never used an app. But from what I’ve read, apps and websites are designed to do different things: apps seemed to make a few tasks easier, whereas a website (should) include all features and functionality of a regular website. It seems like, if your mobile website is good enough, an app would be unnecessary, but since different patrons use libraries differently, it might be better customer service to offer lots of options and let patrons decide what to use to best suit their own needs. What do people who actually use smartphones think?

By: Krista

Krista — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:51:15 +0000

I agree – having a mobile presence is very important today – and will be even more crucial as time goes on. I personally think that having a mobile website is more important than a library app (from my experience that is what Boopsie is – or maybe that is just an option avail from them?). Easier to update and maintain in my opinion – and way less expensive. What is your opinion?