Your library: There’s an app for that! Leigh Ann Jones, Ph.D. Parish Episcopal School Johnathan Wilson, MSIS Texas Woman’s University #txla14 #libapp 4:00-4:05 Introductions

What is a mobile library app? [File:Available on the App Store (black).png|]

How can a mobile library app help your patrons? 24/7 convenience Library resources in one spot Access to librarian How can a mobile library app help your patrons?

How can a mobile library app help your Attracts new library users Great marketing tool Expands online presence How can a mobile library app help your library?

Parish Episcopal School 1100 students, PK to Gr. 12 2 campuses 3 libraries Accredited by NAIS College preparatory Dallas, TX

What does the Parish mobile library app offer? 4:20-4:25

Blagg-Huey Library, Texas Woman’s University 15,000+ students 3 campuses, Denton-Dallas-Houston SACS Accredited Source: Camilla TWU-Flickr; no changes made

TWU app—what does it offer?

TWU planning slide Research based Services requested Inclusion of several search features Contact with the library is a priority Services requested Room reservation Hours for all campuses Map to item location

Pre-app planning Parish = 300,000 sq. ft. + 4 floors Library in the corner of the 1st floor How could the library reach more students/faculty? Turned to academic libraries for ideas 4:20-4:25

Get an app for your library! Paid Service Open Source Less technical knowledge needed Requires a basic understanding of web programming Comes hosted with troubleshooting support Collaboration between library and technology services May not support all library services Can be customized to include everything Time between updates may be extensive Updating can be done live in real time Costs may increase or require an annual fee Contributes to a shared knowledge base which is free to other users

Get an app for your library! Skills needed Moderate understanding of HTML/CSS Backbone of any webpage Basic understanding of JavaScript Functionality and “tricks” Basic ability to use graphic software Design and appeal

But what if… What if… You don’t have technical expertise. You don’t have staff who can help. You don’t have a large budget. But you still want to meet the needs of your patrons…

Ideas for a low cost/low tech app Our handout posted on the conference site provides low cost options/ideas. Reach out to your area public library. Partner with a nearby academic library.

Next steps & future planning Humanities makerspace Flexible space Modular casual seating Tables/chairs on casters Remove most desktop computers Move some books to create wall space Charging bar App = easy mobile access

Next steps & future planning Mobile Kiosk Multi-floor library Point of need Custom CSS sheet Purchased with grant Three throughout the building

What do our patrons say?

Your turn…Twitter backchannel #txla14 #libapp

If you think of questions later… Contact us: Leigh Ann Jones ljones@parishepiscopal.org 940-391-4073 Johnathan Wilson jwilson16@twu.edu 940-898-3739 If you think of questions later…