[OPLINLIST] Smart phone Library Card application

[Morgan]

From: oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org
[mailto:oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Landis
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 3:38 PM
To: 'SEO Library Mailing List'; OPLINLIST
Subject: [OPLINLIST] Smart phone Library Card application

 

Last night we had our first appearance of a patron using their Smartphone
and a LibraryCard application. 

 

In short, this application allows the user to load their Library Card number
onto the device and then use the device to present a 'barcode' when checking
out.  It is being used for coupons and boarding passes among other uses.

 

Example:

Use Your Smartphone as your Library Card!

CardStarYour library card can be digitized on your iPhone or iPod touch,
Android, or BlackBerry using CardStar! CardStar is an app that allows you to
consolidate your reward and club cards from grocery stores, video stores and
the like onto your smartphone. It's entirely free and can be set up in
minutes!

Results:   1. The 'barcode' as presented would not scan via our Metrologic
laser scanner.  2. The patron was rather belligerent in demanding that we
accept this method of 'ID';  3.  Circulation staff had not had any advance
familiarity or experience with this development; 4. We have not had a policy
in place for this development.

I would like to get feedback from the Ohio Library community in a few areas:

1.       Should this method be allowed without reservation or should
additional ID be requested to validate the device?

I think we have to accept this as libraries.  I am sure some locations will
be affected by it more than others.

2.       What barcode readers or configuration settings will 'handle' this
display type?

We are using a model called a Gryphon from Datalogic. We have one at each
location. I called www.bayscantech.com to ask them what to purchase.  It
will read a barcode off of an HTC EVO.  (the only thing we had to test with)

3.       What anecdotal examples can you contribute concerning these
applications?

I have a HTC EVO (droid) phone that is capable of doing this. I had some
trouble getting the barcode app to work. I think I ended up with the
CardStar app. I wanted to see if it could be done. I did all of this about a
year ago.  I was replacing some scanners at the time, so I purchased these
Gryphons instead of my usual Metrologics (Honeywell).  

4.       Are you currently presenting these applications to your patrons?

The apps, no.  Most of our clientele do not have smart phones.  We are ready
for the ones that do.  The staff was all given a chance to play with my
phone, but it was a year ago.  Training is a weak point, none of the circ
staff have smart phones.  The library isn't going to buy one just to play
with.  Trends like this take several years to hit our area.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

Morgan Paul

Technology Coordinator

Ashtabula County District Library

Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

 

 

440-992-0922

 

 

Thanks for any information you can share.

Bruce Landis

Technology Specialist 
Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library 
mailto:landisbr at oplin.org
v.(740) 702-4115 fx.(740) 702-4118 

 

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