Now the TWU Libraries go where you do, with a mobile app which provides access to TWU Libraries resources, services and commonly sought information. Get hours of operation, contact a librarian, search the online catalog and more--all from your mobile device.
The TWU Libraries mobile website (aka the library mobile app) was developed to provide a new point of service to TWU students and faculty by implementing a simple way of accessing library materials and services from their mobile devices. Based on work done by North Carolina State University and MIT, the mobile page takes advantage of new methods in HTML and CSS programming to provide a lightweight page for users with mobile phones to connect to popular resources.
Development of the library mobile app was a group effort. Thanks to the library staff's comprehensive mix of skill sets--and with ideas and feedback from everyone--all design and programming was done in-house in a mere three months, at no extra cost to the library. Some existing library resources (such as the email Ask A Librarian) were modified in order to function better within a lightweight environment, while new resources (such as Text A Librarian) were created from scratch.
The TWU Libraries mobile app currently offers nine utilities--Text A Librarian, Call Library, Hours, Mobile Catalog, Mobile Databases, Ask A Librarian (e-mail), Directions (with Google Maps), Renew Materials and Reserve Room (to reserve a library study room). Plans are in the works to add even more app services, such as the abilities to check computer availability and access library social media sites.
Development of the library mobile app was a group effort. Thanks to the library staff's comprehensive mix of skill sets--and with ideas and feedback from everyone--all design and programming was done in-house in a mere three months, at no extra cost to the library. Some existing library resources (such as the email Ask A Librarian) were modified in order to function better within a lightweight environment, while new resources (such as Text A Librarian) were created from scratch.
The TWU Libraries mobile app currently offers nine utilities--Text A Librarian, Call Library, Hours, Mobile Catalog, Mobile Databases, Ask A Librarian (e-mail), Directions (with Google Maps), Renew Materials and Reserve Room (to reserve a library study room). Plans are in the works to add even more app services, such as the abilities to check computer availability and access library social media sites.
Submitted by Johnathan Wilson
Photo and video by Greg Hardin
