City libraries turn the page with app to target new users

LIBRARY users in the Capital will become the first in Scotland to be able to find books at home or on the go at the touch of button thanks to a new smartphone app.

The Your Library app is free and has up-to-date information about library events, activities and updates usually only available on the city's library website or by visiting in person.

The app has been designed to allow users to search their local library catalogue from their phone and order books remotely.

It will also combine existing technology, including Bus Tracker and the First Bus timetable, to allow users to find the quickest and most convenient route to reach the nearest library and to inform them when libraries have had to close.

The app was unveiled yesterday as part of the Edge 2011 conference being hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, and is aimed at making the library service easier to use.

Councillor Deidre Brock, the city's culture and leisure convener, said: "Edinburgh Libraries are leading the way by introducing the first libraries app in Scotland.

"We are continuing developing the software so that soon people will also be able to reserve books using the app - this is bound to be a very popular added feature."

An initial version of the app for Android phones, such as the HTC models, is available now at the Android online store, while the iPhone version will be available on iTunes in the next few days. Designers are currently working on Blackberry and Windows devices and, in a few months' time, city residents will be able to use it to search the library database and order books.

Users who qualify for the council's Library Link scheme can have books delivered to their door.

The app is the latest scheme from the local authority to boost the number of city residents using their online services.

On Wednesday, the Evening News told how every library in the Capital was left without internet access after a virus attacked the council's network.

IT staff have now restored access to publicly-available PCs in libraries across Edinburgh and apologised for the temporary halt in service.

The council-run Bus Tracker app has crashed at least once after a surge in demand.