Mobilizing the library's web presence & services: A student‐library collaboration to create the library's mobile site and iphone application
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Abstract
The mobile-friendly version of the CUL website was developed using the open-source Siruna platform. Page requests made from mobile devices are routed through Siruna and translated on the fly according to a set of rules and page filters. Page optimizations include: alteration or removal of CSS, removal of Javascript, image optimization, table and menu transformation, and removal or replacement of page contents where they are unnecessary or inappropriate in a mobile context.
Through a well-orchestrated collaboration, the two iPhone teams, from the library and department of computer science, worked on a tough time-line by putting in place a formal project plan that includes the feasibility study, weekly meetings, formal presentations and usability studies. The library and student team developed the iPhone application that mobilizes features such as easy authentication to library licensed resources, fully functional catalog searching, patron account, geo-aware library location and library hours, Ask a Librarian service, an events feed and access to a select list of databases on the go.
The highlight of the project is the ability for the patron to authenticate themselves one time. The application stores an authentication token in the devices user preferences and it can retrieve it whenever needed simplifying access to licensed resources. The primary focus was on identifying high use resources and services that fit best with the form and function of the device.