Making libraries smartphone-friendly
LIBERO has announced the ‘LIBERO WIDGET’ web application feature, delivering libraries a smartphone-friendly interface to connect with users.
Presented at the annual national User Group meeting and SWITCH Conference in Sydney last week, LIBERO’s WIDGET web app successfully leverages today’s smartphone technology to promote library services.
“This feature offers LIBERO Libraries new exciting ways to improve customer services and connectivity with members,” said LIBERO’s Customer Services Manager Selena Johns.
“Essentially, users can have the library in their pocket, everywhere they go – they can search the catalogue for a book, review and reserve the item on their way to pick it up from the library!” she said.
LIBERO’s WIDGET allows users to locate the nearest branch via GoogleMaps, to dial the library in a single ‘click’ and full access to web-based Member Services.
WIDGET data is directly accessed from the Library’s LIBERO database to provide real-time availability information and ability place reserves.
Compatible with any web-enabled smartphone device including Android, Blackberry and iPhone, WIDGET is seamlessly updated with library news, events and new items as they’re added to the LIBERO database and pushed out to WIDGET users.
“WIDGET gives libraries maximum exposure with no extra work,” said Johns.
“Libraries using this application can immediately improve connectivity and interaction with users, customer satisfaction and awareness,” said Johns.
The feature is synchronised with LIBERO’s fully-integrated library management system – including SMS and email notification features and facebook integration to deliver convenient, personalised access to services for library users via a user-friendly interface.
“We’re very excited by the reaction to demonstrations of LIBERO’s WIDGET from attendees at SWITCH and the User Group this week. It’s just another way we’re working to ensure the Library remains a relevant and a central part of users lives in the Web 2.0 Environment,” said Johns.
The annual LIBERO User Group attracts representatives from over 150 libraries nationally to share ideas and practical advice with fellow users and directly influence product direction.
Showcased at the biennial SWITCH Public Library conference in Sydney last week, LIBERO is a fully-integrated, Australian-made library management solution used by 450 public, academic and corporate libraries worldwide.
The WIDGET Web Application will be available to LIBERO libraries in the first quarter of 2012.