More on the iPhone

Recently I wrote about several iPhone projects on other campuses. It's interesting to see how the device can be used across campus--as you think about building applications, the possibilities seem endless. I just read this Campus Technology article which describes several campus mobility projects. It's worth a read, and it's worth our time to think about how we can better integrate library and campus tools into mobile devices. According to a recent Pew report, by 2020 most Internet users will rely primarily on a mobile device to get online. So think small!

Library iPhone Application

This is seriously cool! The DCPL has just launched an iPhone application for their library catalog. Users can search for items, view book covers and summaries, as well as place holds. Users also have quick access to DC library locations, hours, and contact information. More information can be found on the Walking Paper blog.

If anyone knows about a Voyager iPhone app in development, I would love to hear about it. Please comment if you are aware of other library-related applications that may be out there already or that are in development. This is a great direction for libraries, and I look forward to seeing more applications like this in the future.

UPDATE from Chris Tonjes, DCPL CIO: The app can be easily modified to work with any ils. We will release the code (in accordance with Apple's policies) after version 1.1 is released.

Great news! I can't wait to check it out.