Smartphone App Puts Library in Patrons' Pockets

Searching for books, placing a hold on them or just looking for something to download to an e-reader—there’s an app for that.

Somerset County Library patrons with Blackberries, Androids and other devices can now use a mobile app to access their library account. The free application, which is powered by manufacturer Boopsie, is available via www.sclsnj.org and other application websites.

“It’s very convenient for people,” Edward Hoag, Hillsborough Library director, said. “In this little app, you have this wealth of information about the library and what’s at the library.”

The application allows patrons to search for library branches and provides library hours. Users can also access and download e-books and e-audio from the library system’s digital media collection. The items can be downloaded directly to a device or can be saved and downloaded later.

In addition, application users can ask librarians for help, search for programs and then register for those programs.

At the Hillsborough Library, Hoag hopes to see more people attend library programs since they can find and RSVP for them using the application.

“People like to know things right away and that’s what this is doing,” Hoag said. “It’s another avenue for people to see what is happening at the library.”

The ability to get patrons' feedback on programs, books, and other library services adds a new level of invovlement to library operations, Hoag said.

“I think it has lots of applications now and in the future,” Hoag said. “We can get feedback telling us what our communities are looking for. We are constantly building on the programs we have at the library. This app put us in your pocket.”