First of all, Apple not having a webpage for their applications that doesn’t have to open in iTunes is maddeningly annoying. In protest I won’t link directly to any app and will instead link to the Apptism or AppCraver page instead.
So I found two applications that are similar to what I want to do. First is WorldCat Mobile created by/with Boopsie, Inc. In short, it’s terrible. It hangs, doesn’t find libraries very well and doesn’t even tell you where to find the book. For example, one librarian reviewer lamented that the app doesn’t provide the call number for the book meaning you can’t find the book if you’re already in the stacks. I think I know why though, more on this later.
The second was DCPL, a local library application for the DC Library by DCPL Labs. It’s a pretty basic application that can search the catalog and give you local branch hours and locations. Besides that, the app does let you login and put a book on hold for pickup later and gives summaries and photos for books. I don’t think I have time to set up the ability to login with my app, but maybe I can get the summaries and photos to show. From the comments, it seems like quite a few people wish it worked with their local libraries.
I don’t expect this app to be very popular outside of college students and professors. But since I’m open sourcing it, it should be able to be adapted to local libraries as well.
Next step, develop a list of features.
