This document provides a summary of the top 10 mobile apps for libraries. It discusses apps from vendors like Gale that provide mobile versions of databases and OPACs. Other recommended apps include Wikipedia, audio recording apps for creating podcasts about local history, and voice assistants like Siri. The document emphasizes finding apps that work across multiple platforms and are free. It also suggests considering apps that may not be strictly "library apps" but could still be useful.

1. Top 10
Mobile Apps
for Libraries

2. Note: this is an edited version. This presentation is
larger than 10MBs and won’t fit on Slideshare;
however, the complete presentation can be found via:
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4.  There are millions of apps available!
 I tried to share free apps that work on most mobile
platforms and browsers.
 Not all are “library” apps, but could be.
 These are my opinions, so “top” is very subjective.

5. http://www.gale.cengage.com/apps/

6. Mobile OPACs

7. Mobile Databases

8. Android Wikipedia App
To promote Florida history by creating audio and audio-
visual historical podcasts, of 50 Florida towns.

9. Check with your vendors to see if
they have apps and/or mobile-
optimized resources.
If they don’t, put some pressure on
them to build something quickly!

10. Siri
“Siri does what you say, finds the
information you need, then answers you.
It’s like you’re having a conversation with
your iPhone.”
“And Siri is proactive, so it will question
you until it finds what you’re looking for.”

11. Android’s voice controls and dictation

13. Some e-reading Apps

17. Google Cloud Print

18. Google Drive

21. Collection Development with …
Don’t like Springpad or Evernote?

23. 1.
2.

24. 3.
4.

25. Stored on mobile!

26. Stored on desktop!

27. Copy the ISBN or use
our LibX toolbar to
search OPAC.
If we don’t own it, then
I’ll paste the URL into
our acquisition system
and purchase it!

28. Google Goggles

29. Google’s Project Glass

30. Bitcoin Payment Options
• Near Field Communication
• Person-to-person payments
• Mobile donations
• Virtual currency
Square
Google Wallet

31. Draw Something

35. Reloop
SpeedX 3D
Mocha VNC

36. Watch for new services/apps that can help
make your library more visible/valuable …
… but don’t feel obligated to put your
library in that space!

37. /
What is your favorite app?
Twitter: @cmairn my favorite app is untappd for Android.
Or visit http://twtpoll.com/dwna8q
Texting: Text 185884 and your favorite app to 22333.

38. My Favorite

39. Native Apps vs. Web/Browser Apps
Issues Native apps Web apps
Internet access Not required Required, except for apps written in HTML5
(offline capabilities)
Shareable content (Twitter etc.) Only if it is built in to the app Web links can be shared. Social API’s allow 1-
click posting
Access to hardware sensors Yes: camera, gyroscope, microphone, Access thru browser is limited. Geolocation
compass, accelerometer, GPS works!
Development Build app for target platform (Android, iOS Write/publish once using standard Web
[Objective-C] etc.) technologies, view it anywhere with URL.
Speedy debugging and development.
Distribution Most app stores require approval. No hassles.
Source: http://goo.gl/PyvJ

40. “Fundamentally, 'mobile'
refers to the user, not the
device or application.”
Barbara Ballard Designing the Mobile User Experience

41. A simple mobile-optimized Website can work on all devices!
<p><a class="call" href="tel:17273417177" accesskey="0">Call the Library</a> | (727) 341-7177<br />
<a href="wtai://wp/ap;+17273417177; SPC%20Library">[Add to Phone Book]</a><br />

42. Or you can build something using HTML, CSS,
and JavaScript that acts like a native app!
Built using jQTouch Built using jQuery Mobile

43. Virtual Petting Zoo
Google Plus
Hangout
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44. Contact Information
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Hangout!
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