Library in an app: Testing the usability of Boopsie as a mobile library application

Description

With the growing demand for mobile access to library resources, many libraries are investing in mobile applications which library patrons can use on a smart phone or other mobile device. While not a substitute for a mobile website interface, mobile applications enable libraries to integrate general information and a variety of resource discovery tools into one platform.

This presentation will examine implementation and usability of a mobile application by the McIntyre Library at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Specifically, we will focus on Boopsie, a mobile application vendor that many academic and public libraries have turned to for mobile application development. Following an overview of the features offered by Boopsie, and the basic technical aspects of maintaining library content on this platform, we will report the results of a usability study. Highlighting the user experience with Boopsie’s mobile library application, we will suggest best practices for organizing and displaying content, and share user feelings about how or why a mobile application may be useful for research. The results of this study will offer audience members practical advice about the promises and pitfalls of implementing a mobile library application.

Start Date

14-3-2012 2:45 PM

End Date

14-3-2012 3:45 PM

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Mar 14th, 2:45 PM Mar 14th, 3:45 PM

Library in an app: Testing the usability of Boopsie as a mobile library application

With the growing demand for mobile access to library resources, many libraries are investing in mobile applications which library patrons can use on a smart phone or other mobile device. While not a substitute for a mobile website interface, mobile applications enable libraries to integrate general information and a variety of resource discovery tools into one platform.

This presentation will examine implementation and usability of a mobile application by the McIntyre Library at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Specifically, we will focus on Boopsie, a mobile application vendor that many academic and public libraries have turned to for mobile application development. Following an overview of the features offered by Boopsie, and the basic technical aspects of maintaining library content on this platform, we will report the results of a usability study. Highlighting the user experience with Boopsie’s mobile library application, we will suggest best practices for organizing and displaying content, and share user feelings about how or why a mobile application may be useful for research. The results of this study will offer audience members practical advice about the promises and pitfalls of implementing a mobile library application.