Are iPhones the only game in your town? Or do your patrons play Android, as well?

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The trend is clear – Android is the dominant mobile phone platform.  So, why is it that many vendors don’t perceive mobile apps to be real until they appear in Apple’s App Store?  Thinking about this dynamic, it strikes me that two things are at work – the Apple legacy and Android branding challenges.   

ComScore data shows that Android now owns more than 46% of the mobile phone market here in the U.S.  The growth is mostly at the expense of RIM – BlackBerry share has dropped the most significantly in the last year and is now just 17% of the market.  iPhone has demonstrated modest gains (approx 1% point each quarter) and is now at 28.6%.  Some could argue that Android growth is also at the expense of Apple – the majority of those jumping ship from BlackBerry are buying Android devices, not iPhones. 

So why is iPhone still the priority when it comes to launching apps?  

For a long time, Apple’s app store was the only game in town.  In fact, they invented the game.   Only a few moons ago, there was no such thing as an app store.  Games and other mobile utilities either came pre-installed on a phone or you didn’t bother.  There wasn’t a market for apps because there was really no way to find them (otherwise know as a discoverability problem) or pay for them (which meant there weren’t a whole lot to find).  For those lucky enough to find a game and brave enough to try to download, the failure rate was high.  The App Store solved all these problems in one fell swoop, establishing Apple’s leadership in redefining both the mobile phone experience and mobile business models. 

But Apple’s first-mover status is not the only thing that keeps them top of mind with app vendors.  It’s also the fact that it’s harder to grasp the Android market surge in a passing glance – it’s easy to spot an iPhone, but it’s harder to know whether a cool Samsung, LG or Sony handset is running Android.  And besides, in that passing glance people see the Samsung, LG or Sony branding (or the carrier brand).  Not Google.  Adding to the confusion, there doesn’t seem to be a consistent approach to Android branding on handsets. 

This branding issue is why we encourage all Boopsie customers to survey their target audience to better understand what phones and platforms are being used.  This will help to avoid the perception vs reality mistakes that are often made when it comes to meeting audience needs.  For example, if survey data indicates the majority of the patron base is using Android, it probably doesn’t make sense to hold off announcing app availability until it’s available in Apple’s app store. 

There is no doubt that Apple and the iPhone’s brand prominence will remain, but to really understand what patrons are using it’s important to look beyond the hardware.  Market prominence and market dominance are not always the same.  

– Greg Carpenter, CEO, Boopsie for Libraries

Libraries, Mobile and The Youth Audience

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Not too long ago we announced Orange Lutheran – a private high school in Southern California  – is mobilizing their school library using Boopsie.  Orange Lutheran is our first foray into the K-12 sector and has provided an opportunity to really think about the youth sector relative to library usage and their “mobile profile”.    

Aggregating information from YALSA, Neilsen and Pew provides insight on both the importance of mobile to engaging the youth sector and ensuring mobile efforts actually deliver on the promise.   Specifically: 

Bridging the gap between the internet haves and have-nots.   According to recent YALSA statistics only 61.8% of U.S. households have a computer and 54.7% have internet access (in low income households a full 72% of teens do not have internet access at home). Compare this to Pew’s findings- Seventy-five percent of teens own mobile phones.  Smartphone usage is currently at 28.7% and expected to increase to 50% in 2012.  This means that a year from now, most teens will consider the mobile phone their primary internet access point. 

Increasing access to library services.  YALSA’s issue paper entitled The Importance of a Whole Library Approach to Public Library Young Adult Services notes teens need to be treated equally by libraries, not just pigeon-holed in the “youth adult” section.   Mobile access to all library materials and services essentially evens the playing field.  Additionally, teens tend to require significant assistance and support from the reference staff.  The opportunity to reach reference librarians from offsite – either via phone or (more likely) via text offers huge benefit to both teen patron and staffer. 

Maximizing investment in youth development programs.  No longer just a resource for homework help, many libraries see the opportunity to connect with youth audiences at a broader level.  For example, Hennepin County Library’s Media Mashup Program focuses on overall youth development.  Taking a comprehensive approach to 21st Century literacies, the program factors in a larger set of skills including technology use, problem solving, cooperative relationships and global perspectives.   Effectively engaging the digital native demographic with Media Mashup and other like programs will require a deliberate mobile strategy.

Factoring in recent Nielsen findings, libraries can gleam useful guidance on how to maximize reach and relevance among youth audiences via mobile:

Apps vs mobile web.  The under-20 audience is much more geared to the app market than the mobile web.   Recent findings indicate the majority of smartphone users prefer native apps over the mobile web. According to Neilsen, the average Android user spends almost a full hour interacting with apps or the web using their device.  Twice as much time (67%) is spent with apps than on the web (33%). 

Focus on Android.  New smartphone buyers are overwhelmingly choosing Android over other smartphone platforms.  Additional findings relative to the youth market indicate most U.S. teens choose their own phone and that price is the number one purchase driver.  With Android expected to dominate the lower-end market (less than $150) by 2015, it’s clear that most teens will be using Android phones.

Foster Engagement.  As the integration between technology, reference and teen services grows mobile will become a primary channel for delivering services that foster face-to-face and virtual learning environments and engagement – not only between library staff and teens but also between participants themselves

What has become clear as we work with Orange Lutheran is the immense opportunity mobile offers libraries for connecting with the 42 million teenagers that represent the youth audience here in the U.S.  We are looking forward to expanding our work with school libraries and further supporting our public library customers as they seek to find new ways to engage teens in a ways that build lifelong relationships. 

– Greg Carpenter, CEO, Boopsie for Libraries

The Benefit of Mobile Apps

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The topic of native apps vs the mobile web has come up a lot in conversations during this busy library tradeshow season.  And with all the hype around HTML 5 it makes for good conversation.  Since Boopsie is a hybrid solution (apps are downloaded, but rely on HTML content for some of the in-app services) we consider ourselves generally agnostic on the topic.  However, our perspective is that it comes down to whether or not you take a developer-oriented view or a patron-oriented view. 

 The idea that the mobile web is the fastest and easiest way to “cover all bases” when it comes to cross-device support may seem compelling.  But this argument is neither completely accurate, nor does it take into account what we call the mobile mindset <link to previous blog post>.   Because each device runs a proprietary browser, even a mobile-optimized site is going to look different depending on the device used.  So tweaking is needed to deliver a uniform experience across all platforms.

Although HTML 5 promises to address some of the cross-platform challenges, the actual “solution” is not the HTML5 standard, it’s in the implementation of the standard.  Building HTML5-based content that runs on all devices is not a slam-dunk.  As an example, several cross-platform HTML5 vendors currently only build content for the iPhone.  

But none of this really matters if you take a patron-oriented view. Patrons first and foremost want to know if an app works on their phone.  Second most important is discoverability.   Knowing where to go to find an app is the first step to getting them to use the app.  App stores foster discovery in a way that urls just don’t. The recent Nielsen report reinforces this reality. 

Our view is that for the foreseeable future, native apps are going to have the advantage over the mobile web for three key reasons.  First, structured marketplaces such as iTunes and the Android App Store make it easy for patrons to find apps.  Second, the icon sitting on the phone means that library information and services is literally one click away, which ostensibly encourages repeat usage.  And third, native apps create a key branding opportunity for the library – something that is increasingly important to reinforcing reach and relevancy.

– Greg Carpenter, CEO, Boopsie for Libraries 

Adopting a Mobile Mindset

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Adopting a Mobile Mindset

In the U.S. ninety six percent of the population owns a mobile phone.  Forty-three percent of those phones are smartphones.  With these numbers there’s little debate within the library community that the ability to reach people via the mobile channel is imperative for ongoing relevance.   But one of my observations is that there is a difference between recognizing the mobile opportunity and adopting a mobile mindset. 

Recognizing the opportunity is about making sure information is accessible via mobile phones.   Adopting the mobile mindset is about understanding how to present information in a way that delivers the best-possible mobile experience for all patrons. 

Mobile is not simply a mini desktop.  It requires specialized sensibilities relative to content presentation and organization. The most useful information for mobile device users relates to time and place – as sense of immediacy for getting information that is relevant to the current location. For example, a patron may want to know “what is happening today at the library” as they are trying to plan their day.  Likewise, a student may need a book for that night’s homework so they will want to know “which branch is nearest to me now because I need that book right away”.

Notice that neither of these examples are specific to catalog search.  Although the ability to search the catalog using a mobile device is foundational to any mobile library app, at Boopsie we’ve found that this is not the primary usage scenario for patrons.  Our data indicates the #1 channel used with our university apps is the people-locator.  For public and academic libraries 60% of the usage is around non-catalog information such as library hours, location, reading lists and events.

Additionally, the experience needs to be consistent for all patrons – no matter what type of phone they use.  We encourage our customers to look beyond the weblogs to understand what their patrons are using.  Just because the logs indicate majority iPhone traffic doesn’t mean the majority of patrons own iPhones.   In most cases, it just means that the iPhone experience is good enough to drive repeat traffic.  More patrons may actually own a BlackBerry, but because the web browsing experience has been historically poor, less BlackBerry users access the web with their phone. We recommend our customers formally poll their patron base to understand the real story. 

 To get the greatest return on investment, mobile needs to be thought of as unique channel. With this in mind, here are some best practices to deliver an optimal mobile app experience:

  • Focus on simple navigation. Place the most relevant information up-front. It’s been reported that mobile phones are used in 30-second increments.  So, unlike PC users who are willing to click through various levels to find information, mobile users won’t take the time.
  • Prioritize content for mobile.  Related to simple navigation, place the most important information up front to minimize the need for scrolling.
  • Optimize for readability.  Paragraphs of content on a standard web page may work for PC users, but not for mobile.  Information needs to be communicated succinctly and/or in easy-to-read chunks. 
  • Maximize findability.  Not all mobile search solutions are created equal.  Searching a library’s catalog of material would seem counter-intuitive to the mobile experience.  But Boopsie’s smart pre-fix search makes it easy for users to search using only the first few characters of any combination of terms. 

At Boopsie we believe a mobile presence will be critical to the ongoing relevance of libraries worldwide.  We are committed to developing mobile apps that can serve as a primary communications channel and deliver a superior anytime, anywhere experience to all patrons no matter what phone they use.

– Greg Carpenter, CEO, Boopsie for Libraries

 

 

Tutor.com Online Tutoring App Now Available Through Boopsie

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Collaboration provides a standard way for library mobile applications to interact with each other

PALO ALTO, CA and NEW YORK – March 8, 2012 – Tutor.com, the highest-rated online tutoring provider, and Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, today announced the availability of Tutor.com through the Boopsie platform. The partnership will make it easy for library patrons whose libraries subscribe to both services to access a live tutor anytime, anywhere through the Boopsie native mobile app.

“The goal for libraries in today’s information-rich environment is to make it as easy as possible for their users to find and access the library’s valuable resources,” said Greg Carpenter, Boopsie CEO. “Library patrons are turning to mobile devices and they want one point of access to what the library has to offer. Our partnership with Tutor.com means that students looking for homework help can connect to a tutor through the library’s Boopsie app, with just one click.”

For Tutor.com the astounding growth in mobile usage has driven the development of a full mobile solution that includes the Tutor.com To Go™ iOS app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad and an HTML5 classroom that is compatible with any mobile device. “For many students, especially those from lower economic backgrounds, their mobile device is the only way they have to access the internet,” said George Cigale, founder and CEO of Tutor.com. “The Tutor.com mobile app provides access to one-to-one online tutoring when and where students need help. We’re delighted to be working with Boopsie to make our app more visible to students as soon as they connect to their library’s mobile site.”

Tutor.com is the highest rated online tutoring service available. In post-session surveys over 96% of students say they would recommend Tutor.com to a friend; over 90% say that Tutor.com helps improve their grades and helps them be more confident about their schoolwork.

In use in more than 250 libraries and universities, Boopsie is changing the way libraries look at their mobile presence, taking a more strategic approach to delivering content beyond the library catalog to users when and where they need information.

About Boopsie
Founded in 2006 and located in Silicon Valley, California, Boopsie is the industry-leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide. Customers include Seattle Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, University of Toronto, University of Notre Dame, Brown University, University of Gent in Belgium, and University of Auckland in New Zealand. Boopsie is the American Library Association’s mobile partner for a range of conferences and the preferred mobile solution for a number of consortia. Affordable for all size libraries and easy-to-deploy without compromising on world-class performance, Boopsie’s solutions are fully hosted and all apps are downloadable on mobile devices including Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, J2ME, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and also support browser-enabled devices.

About Tutor.com
Tutor.com is the world’s largest and highest-rated online tutoring service. The Tutor.com network of over two thousand professional tutors and career specialists have delivered more than 7 million one-to-one tutoring and career sessions in a proprietary online classroom optimized for learning, since 2001. Tutor.com powers tutoring and homework help programs for the Department of Defense; school districts across the country; colleges and universities; the states of Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota and Rhode Island; the District of Columbia, and thousands of public libraries.
For more information about Tutor.com’s Mobile Solutions, please go to www.tutor.com/mobile.

BOOPSIE CONTACT
Sam Nickell
Vice President, Business Development
(425) 996-8838
sam.nickell@boopsie.com

TUTOR.COM CONTACT
Sandi White
Vice President, Institutional Sales
(530) 470-0455
swhite@tutor.com

Boopsie Extends Academic Reach to Include Law and K-12

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Orange Lutheran and New York Law School Join Ranks of Education Customers

 

Palo Alto, CA – Oct. 18, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that it has expanded its list of academic library customers to include New York Law School and Orange Lutheran High School. Boopsie’s market footprint in the academic sector now includes public and private universities, community colleges, law schools and K-12. 

“The number of students using a device as their primary Internet access point increases daily,” notes Greg Carpenter, Boopsie’s CEO. “Both New York Law School and Orange Lutheran have fully embraced the need to deliver mobile services. We’re excited to be working with them.” 
In a report released last month, the technology market research firm IDC estimated that by 2015 more U.S. Internet users will access the Internet through mobile devices than through PCs. Already, according to Pew Research Center, a third of U.S. Smartphone owners consider the phone their primary connection to the Internet. 
“This year Orange Lutheran made the move towards iPad2 use. Next year all students will be required to have one,” states Lydia Smith-Davis, Teacher-Librarian at Orange Lutheran. “With mobile technology on the forefront it was important that our library be part of the big picture.”
Boopsie’s native app technology provides academic institutions with the most advanced feature set for mobile access to library and campus services. Boopsie apps run on all phones and provide direct integration to all library ILS systems, OCLC’s Worldcat database and other custom databases, search engines and e-content. Boopsie’s patent-pending Smart Prefix search delivers real-time results by searching after each character is typed, making it fast and easy to find books and other reference materials. Support for non-catalog content such as recommended reading lists, location and hours and contact information for 1:1 librarian support is also available.
Additionally, Boopsie apps support universal campus content and services such as maps, departmental directories, local bus schedules, course listings, athletic and event calendars, direct links to community news and social media sites and other important student affairs information. 
“We are the first law school to deploy this type of mobile app,” says Grace Lee, Electronic Services Librarian at New York Law School located in Tribeca. “In addition to giving our students access to catalog, course reserves and community news feeds, Boopsie was able to integrate directly with our custom DRAGNET search engine that specializes in legal content. This was a huge value-add for us.” 
Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries

Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

Boopsie Showcases Multilingual Capabilities at REFORMA Conference

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REFORMA to Support Mobile Engagement with Spanish Speaking Patrons

 

 Palo Alto, CA – Sept 14, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that it will debut a Spanish language version of its mobile app at this year’s REFORMA conference starting tomorrow in Denver, CO. REFORMA is a national organization that promotes library and information services to Spanish-speaking populations. Boopsie is the first mobile app vendor to offer multilingual support to libraries in the United States.

“Our goal is to help libraries reach all segments of their communities,” notes Greg Carpenter, Boopsie CEO. “For those that serve significant Hispanic populations, being able to offer a mobile app in Spanish creates a powerful opportunity to engage a broader audience.”

Earlier this year the Census Bureau reported the Hispanic population in the United States has surpassed 50 million, the majority of which speak Spanish at home. And according to a recent Pew study, Smartphone adoption among Hispanics is among the highest in the country at 45%.

“Mobile is becoming the primary channel for reaching Latino communities here in the U.S. – particularly the youth population,” says Maria F. Kramer, President, REFORMA National. “We are excited to be working with Boopsie. They are creating a significant opportunity for libraries to reinforce their position as multicultural hubs in both rural and urban centers across the country.” Boopsie apps are available in all languages that use the Latin alphabet. Customers are responsible for content translation. REFORMA chapters are available to assist libraries seeking Spanish language services. REFORMA has more than 19 chapters nationwide that service nearly all 50 states. A listing of active chapters can be found on the REFORMA website, http://www.reforma.org.

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries

Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

Boopsie and CoverCake Simplify Mobile Discovery of Books Covered by Pop Media

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New value-add channel for libraries now available via Boopsie for Libraries

 

 Palo Alto, CA – July 26, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that it will offer access to CoverCake’s book discovery platform which makes it easy for consumers to find books mentioned by popular media such as news magazine, radio and daytime talk shows. Access to CoverCake content will be offered as a channel option for public and academic libraries that wish to make it available via Boopsie for Libraries mobile apps. The deal with CoverCake represents the first step by Boopsie to deliver unique value-add content to libraries.

“Our goal is to reinforce the library as a central source of information on books and other media,” notes Greg Carpenter, Boopsie’s CEO. “CoverCake’s platform delivers value-add to our customers because it provides patrons with a quick and easy mechanism, using their mobile devices, to find the books highlighted on NPR, Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The View and other shows.” Currently there is no comprehensive discovery process for the hundreds of book reviews and author interviews that are featured on TV and radio shows every year. CoverCake has solved this problem by creating a platform that tracks, organizes and presents book and author information featured on those shows. Clicking on the book takes the user to a page with a brief synopsis, author information and a list of shows and movies that have featured that particular title. CoverCake allows consumers to find books featured in the last 12 months. CoverCake also provides information on whether a book is available at a local library or via online booksellers such as Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com or Google Books. Separately, CoverCake is available as an iPad app. An Android version is slated for release next month.

CoverCake content will be available as a separate channel on Boopsie for Libraries apps. In addition to providing information about the book and its availability at the library, patrons will be able to immediately check out books or place them on hold via their mobile devices. Boopsie customers can add the CoverCake channel to their mobile app free of charge.

“Too often the spotlight on new books is fleeting,” says Todd Gibson, Director of Business Development at CoverCake, Inc. “Our goal is to simplify discoverability and access to those books and authors that have become part of popular culture. Working with Boopsie expands our reach across mobile devices.”

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries

About Boopsie
Founded in 2006 and located in Silicon Valley, California, Boopsie is the industry-leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide. Customers include Seattle Public, LA Public, University of Toronto, University of Notre Dame, Brown University, University of Gent in Belgium, and University of Auckland in New Zealand. Boopsie is American Library Association’s mobile partner for a range of conferences including ALA 2010 and the preferred mobile solution for a number of consortia. Disruptively affordable and easy-to-deploy without compromising on world-class performance, Boopsie’s solutions are fully hosted and all apps are downloadable on mobile devices including Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, J2ME, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and also support browser-enabled devices.

About CoverCake
CoverCake is a stealth-mode startup company bent on delivering intelligent software solutions to help guide readers and book companies alike through an industry in turmoil. CoverCake is based and strategically positioned within Silicon Valley, California to upset the status quo of book recommendations and provides intuitive services for end users to publishers at the top of the food chain. CoverCake book recommendations and analytics solutions are designed for the entire book business vertical, and are fully hosted and built to scale. Mobile apps are available on the iPad, iPhone, and Android platforms. 
http://www.covercake.com.

Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

Boopsie Announces One-Click Access to OverDrive eBook Collections

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Offers patrons direct access to digital titles via library-branded apps

 

 Palo Alto, CA – June 22, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that it now offers direct access to eBooks and audiobooks in a library’s OverDrive®-powered digital collection. The new functionality will simplify patrons’ mobile access to digital titles, enhance discoverability and enable libraries to offer one-stop access to all branch information, services and catalog material. Cuyahoga County Public Library, Douglas County Library, Los Gatos Public Library and Santa Clara County Public Library will be the first to rollout the new feature to their patrons.

“The number of people reading eBooks on their mobile phones increases daily,” says Greg Carpenter, Boopsie CEO. “Giving libraries a simple, direct way to deliver digital titles not only reinforces their connection with patrons but also promises to maximize their return on investment in that content.” OverDrive is the leading digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music and video, servicing 15,000 public, K-12 school, and higher-ed libraries worldwide. Enabling direct access to OverDrive titles via their custom-branded mobile app represents a natural progression for libraries seeking to enhance the mobile experience for their patrons. Additionally, Boopsie’s patent-pending Smart Prefix search allows real-time results by searching after each character is typed, making it fast and easy to find any book of choice.

“eBooks on mobile devices is the future,” said Henry Bankhead, Library Manager for Adult Services, Los Gatos Public Library. “By providing our patrons with one-click access to our digital collection we expect usage to grow significantly. In fact, we expanded our inventory by 800% to meet the growing demand for eBooks on devices.”

OverDrive collection access for Android, BlackBerry and iPhone platforms is included in Boopsie’s recently announced Optimum package and is available to all new and existing customers. A separate download of the OverDrive Media Console is required to read eBooks accessed via Boopsie applications.

“We are excited to be one of the first libraries to offer OverDrive integration through our Boopsie app,” said Jim Haprian, Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Information Technology Director. “Simpler, more convenient access to our ePub materials will undoubtedly result in increased circulation. Our digital collection acquisitions are customer-driven, and we anticipate significant growth to meet increased demand.”

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries

Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

Tech Logic forms partnership with Boopsie

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Partnership to Streamline Libraries’ Support for Mobile Devices

 

 WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. (June 21, 2011) – Tech Logic and Boopsie have established a new partnership, improving and simplifying the process for libraries to support and manage their patrons’ use of mobile devices. Exclusively working with libraries, Tech Logic delivers advanced technology solutions that ease the workload associated with moving and sorting library items and streamline the self check-out process. Boopsie is the industry leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide. This collaboration will expand Boopsie’s sales channel and enable Tech Logic to leverage Boopsie’s mobile platform technology to enhance its product and service offerings.

“The explosion in mobile device use is a significant opportunity for academic and public libraries worldwide,” notes Greg Carpenter, CEO of Boopsie. “By combining forces, Tech Logic and Boopsie are well positioned to help libraries maximize the ability to extend their reach and relevance from both inside and outside branch walls through the use of mobile technology.”

Gary Kirk, President of Tech Logic, said, “This partnership with Boopsie brings together two respected leaders in the library industry, both dedicated to providing libraries worldwide with innovative mobile solutions that enhance the patron experience. Our customers and their patrons can expect to have access to the latest mobile self check-out technology available.”

Both Tech Logic and Boopsie have focused on giving libraries the tools to increase efficiency and provide the best-possible experience to patrons. More than 400 libraries currently use Tech Logic solutions to manage circulation through Automated Sorting Technologies and streamline RFID and barcode-based self-services. Boopsie currently powers mobile applications for more than 200 public and academic libraries worldwide and has pioneered technologies such as BookCheck™ and BookLook Mobile™.

The partnership between Tech Logic and Boopsie will result in the integration of Boopsie for Libraries mobile platform technology with Tech Logic’s MyMobileLibrary product line. The first product resulting from this collaboration is MyMobileLibrary: App, a mobile self check-out application that allows patrons to privately and securely check out items from anywhere within the library using their smartphone. The application communicates with a library’s Integrated Library System (ILS) and is the first that is compatible with RFID security. MyMobileLibrary: App is expected to be available fall 2011. Additionally, Tech Logic and Boopsie will collaborate in further areas of sales and marketing and product development. Boopsie will retain responsibility for customer support through the development process and R&D of its mobile platform.

To learn more about Tech Logic’s products and services, contact Gary W. Kirk at gwkirk(at)tech-logic.com, call 800.494.9330, or visit www.tech-logic.com

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries.html

Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

Boopsie for Libraries Optimum Package Now Available

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New Boopsie BookLook Mobile™ makes it easy 
to discover and reserve books remotely

 

Palo Alto, CA – May 25, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that it has launched Boopsie for Libraries Optimum- a new product that aims to increase awareness and access to catalog inventory, foster a more engaged reader community and create efficiencies for library staff. 

Optimum includes Boopsie’s newest feature, BookLook Mobile™ that allows patrons to scan the ISBN code of a book in a bookstore, check availability at their local library and instantly reserve it via their mobile phone. Boopsie is the only mobile solution provider to integrate leading ILS systems and ISBN data with card-holder account access into a single custom-branded mobile application.

“Optimum is a game changer,” says Greg Carpenter, Boopsie CEO. “Through native mobile app technology, we are giving public and academic libraries the tools to revolutionize the patron experience both inside and outside the library in ways that increase staff availability to customers and could ultimately lower capital costs.“ 

Boopsie BookLook Mobile™ is the first to cross-reference ISBN data and disparate ILS systems with library account functionality. By simply scanning or entering the ISBN barcode data, card holders can determine if a book is owned by their local library, the branch where it is located and either place it on hold or join the waiting list. Additional information from existing licensed feeds such as publisher reviews, bibliographic sources such as Syndetics and crowd-sourced services such as GoodReads is available. Also included in the Optimum package is Boopsie BookCheck™ which allows patrons to check out a CD, DVD or book from anywhere in the library using their mobile phone. BookCheck™ is currently in use by Cuyahoga County Public Library, the top rated public library system in the United States. 

The Boopsie for Libraries Optimum package is compatible with the majority of phones, although the barcode scanning functionality is limited to iPhone, Android and BlackBerry platforms due those manufacturers’ inclusion of advanced camera technology. Owners of other phones must manually enter barcode numbers in order to take advantage of the BookLook Mobile™ and BookCheck™ features. Optimum is immediately available for iPhone and Android. Support for the BlackBerry platform will be available in the near future. Optimum is offered to existing customers as an upgrade and to new customers as a premium package.

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries.html

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries Optimum can be found athttp://www.boopsie.com/libraries_optimum.html


Boopsie Launches BookCheck™ Mobile Check-out for Libraries

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Cuyahoga County Public Library first to deploy new 
barcode-scan capability

 

Palo Alto, CA –April 11, 2011 – Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today the availability of BookCheck™ – a new feature that allows library patrons to check out books and other materials using a mobile phone. Cuyahoga County Public Library, the top rated library system in the United States, is the first to offer Boopsie BookCheck™ to its more than 787,000 active registered cardholders. CCPL launches their new mobile application this week.

“BookCheck™ delivers a whole new level of efficiency for both library staff and patrons,” notes Greg Carpenter, CEO of Boopsie. “With a quick scan of the library barcode using a mobile phone, patrons can access useful information about a book, CD or DVD and immediately check-out those materials from anywhere in the library.”

Boopsie is the currently the only mobile solution provider to offer mobile checkout capability. Leveraging barcode-scanning technology, the new feature allows library patrons to retrieve basic catalog information (real-time access from the library’s ILS system) and content from third-party sources such as book reviews, plot summaries and author bios from anywhere in the library using their mobile phone. Library cardholders can then check out the book with one click of a button. BookCheck is immediately available for Android device users. Support for iPhone and select Blackberry devices will follow shortly. 

“We are very excited to be the first library to offer the convenience of mobile check-out to our customers,” said Jim Haprian, Information Technology Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library. “At CCPL we are committed to innovative service that meets and exceeds expectations and this app will help us better connect our customers to the excellent resources we have to offer.”

Built to take advantage of the most advanced device technology, Boopsie applications offer real-time ILS integration with popular systems such as Innovative Interfaces, SirsiDynix, ExLibris, among others and provide full support for non-catalog content and services such as GPS-aware library location finder and access to reading lists, event calendars and social networking channels.

Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found at http://www.boopsie.com/libraries.html

 

NARdiGras Goes Mobile with Boopsie

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For the second year in a row, Boopsie has been chosen to mobilize the National Association of Realtors annual conference and expo.

 

Taking place in New Orleans Nov 5-8, “NARdiGras” attendees will be able to use the free app to access the latest event schedule, view their personalized event planner, find sessions and speakers with just a few keystrokes; find and map exhibitor locations; get recommendations for local hot spots; and follow the show Twitter feed. The application is downloadable by any Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Java, Symbian or Windows Mobile device or can be accessed via a mobile browser.

Growing Number of Libraries Worldwide Go Mobile with Boopsie

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Boopsie extends market leadership in mobilizing public and academic libraries

 

Boopsie, the leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide, announced today that a growing number of public and academic libraries – including Omaha Public Li

 

brary, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Australia’s Yarra Plenty Regional Public Library -­‐ have chosen Boopsie to mobilize their catalog and non-­‐catalog services.

 

These organizations join more than 40 other public and academic libraries worldwide including Brown University, Seattle Public Library and Indiana University that have chosen Boopsie as their mobile application provider of choice. “We deliver world-­‐class mobile applications that are disruptively affordable,” said Greg Carpenter, Boopsie CEO. “Our custom apps give libraries a fast and easy way to meet the needs of patrons’ mobile lifestyles without compromising on performance and features.”

In addition to Omaha Public, Yarra Plenty and SWOSU, University of La Verne, Colby College, California State University Channel Islands, Endicott College, San Mateo County Public Library and Loyola Marymount are poised to launch Boopsie-­‐powered mobile applications. Boopsie is American Library Association’s mobile partner for a range of conferences including ALA 2010.

Boopsie applications are compatible with all mobile phones and integrate directly with multiple back-­‐end data sources, including any ILS database, to deliver fast and easy catalog search, access to reading lists, blogs and tweets and the ability to check-­‐out and renew books directly from a mobile phone. Applications can be deployed – with minimal technical expertise by library staff -­‐ within weeks at a fraction of the cost of comparable solutions. “We’re excited to be working with Boopsie,” said Gary Wasdin, Executive Director for Omaha Public Library. “Providing a mobile application that works with all mobile phones will enable us to expand our reach and relevance and deliver access to the services our patrons use most.” Additional information on Boopsie for Libraries can be found at http://www.boopsie.com

About Boopsie
Founded in 2006 and located in Silicon Valley, California, Boopsie is the industry-leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide. Customers include Seattle Public, LA Public, University of Toronto, University of Notre Dame, Brown University, University of Gent in Belgium, and University of Auckland in New Zealand. Boopsie is American Library Association’s mobile partner for a range of conferences including ALA 2010 and the preferred mobile solution for a number of consortia. Disruptively affordable and easy-to-deploy without compromising on world-class performance, Boopsie’s solutions are fully hosted and all apps are downloadable on mobile devices including Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, J2ME, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and also support browser-enabled devices. For more information on Boopsie, please go to www.boopsie.com

Boopsie Disrupts Economics of Mobile Application Development

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Award-winning App Developer Mobilizes CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS Conference

 
Media Contact: Pam Kahl
verbal800 Communications
office: 503.284.1534 mobile: 503.706.0259
pam.kahl@verbal800.com

 

Boopsie, an award-winning mobile applications provider, has shipped its latest technology that enables delivery of enterprise-class mobile applications in a matter of weeks and at a fraction of the cost of comparable solutions. This week, attendees of CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2010 will be able to experience the power of Boopsie’s technology when they use the custom-designed mobile show app.

Boopsie’s (booth #858) mobile app offers an extensive capability set and support for all internet-enabled phones and networks. Cutting-edge features in Boopsie’s latest release include the ability to upload photos within the app, see a live list of session attendees and blind message any session attendee. Download instructions can be found at www.ctiamobileapp.com.

“We are thrilled to introduce the CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS attendees and exhibitors to our app and underlying platform,” notes Boopsie co-founder and CEO Greg Carpenter. “The economic demands and feature expectations of the CTIA audience provide a perfect opportunity to showcase the power of Boopsie’s new mobile solution platform. Everyone will be amazed at the ease and speed with which they can navigate the CTIA experience from their mobile phones.”

Using Boopsie’s free app, show attendees will be able to access the latest event schedule; search, map and contact exhibitors; connect with other attendees directly and via social networks; create a personal event calendar; read breaking show news; and more. The application is downloadable by any Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Java, Symbian or Windows Mobile device or may be accessed via the mobile browser.

“We chose Boopsie because were impressed with the breadth of features and the fact they deliver native support for all platforms,” said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. “Our attendees are able to obtain up-to-date show information with this user-friendly application designed specifically for CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS 2010.”

During CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS, Boopsie will show off the economic disruption and power of its new platform by holding daily drawings for a free customized mobile solution, for deployment on seven types of phones and delivered in about a week. Those interested in this offer must enter at the Boopsie booth, #858.

Boopsie founders Carpenter and Tim Kay have built an award-winning global business delivering disruptively affordable world-class mobile applications to libraries, universities, real estate firms and a myriad of vertical industry conferences. Boopsie’s multi-platform solution can be implemented with relative speed– usually in less than three weeks – and requires minimal technical expertise by the customer. To-date, Boopsie has powered more than 20 industry conferences including those hosted by the National Association of Realtors, the American Library Association and the National Fire Protection Association.

About Boopsie
Founded in 2006 and located in Silicon Valley, California, Boopsie is the industry-leading mobile solution for universities and libraries worldwide. Customers include Seattle Public, LA Public, University of Toronto, University of Notre Dame, Brown University, University of Gent in Belgium, and University of Auckland in New Zealand. Boopsie is American Library Association’s mobile partner for a range of conferences including ALA 2010 and the preferred mobile solution for a number of consortia. Disruptively affordable and easy-to-deploy without compromising on world-class performance, Boopsie’s solutions are fully hosted and all apps are downloadable on mobile devices including Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, J2ME, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and also support browser-enabled devices. For more information on Boopsie, please go to www.boopsie.com