Thing 21: CCPL
When helping patrons I carry my phone with me in case they come up with another question about the location of a title (or if I forget the author’s name, or call #). I can just pull out my phone, open up Safari and pull up the catalog. This is time consuming, but works. I downloaded BookMyne hoping it would be an easier, more user friendly way to search our catalog. While the images are big and it is easier to read than the catalog (especially on my small iPhone 5s), there isn’t an easy way to see immediately the call number or if an item is available. You have to go into each individual item. There is also no way to filter out unwanted formats.
It does have some interesting features, such as linking to Goodreads for suggested reading lists and allowing me to log on to my account to renew items. I wasn’t able to actually renew anything as two had holds and one said the record was currently in use and to check back later. Oh well. Overall, not too impressed with this one.
SO, I moved on to the CCPL Mobile App. I must say the instructions were a little off. I followed them, but instead of adding the mobile version of our site, I added the regular version. This is nice and all, but I wanted the more streamlined mobile version. I had to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to locate the link to the mobile version (way NOT COOL!). But, I was able to get it saved to my home screen. I opened it up and did the same search as I did on BookMyne and it was everything I needed! Simple, clean lines. Availability and call number listed right there. I am so happy!!!!! This will make it so much easier to help patrons out on the floor!