Community Corner

Go Mobile with Library Services

St. Louis County Library users now can log into their accounts and make requests from on-the-go with a new smartphone application launched this week. Downloading eMedia got easier, too.

By bookmarking a new mobile application, St. Louis County Library users now can keep their library needs at their fingertips wherever they are.

SLCL Mobile, the new application launched by St. Louis County Library staffers this week, works on all smartphones, including Android, iPhone and Blackberry. The app is free and available in the iTunes store and Android Market.

A direct link to the app can be found by clicking here.

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Jennifer McBride, communications manager for the county's library system, said the app was developed by a company called Boopsie

SLCL Mobile provides real-time information for customers. Users can log in to their library accounts, renew items, search the catalog and place requests, said McBride. Using the smartphone’s GPS, SLCL Mobile also allows users to locate the branch closest to them, such as the Oak Bend Branch, and get directions or view maps.  

"As part of the systemwide eMedia training, staff were instructed on the different features included in the app. The text service will be monitored by our Reference staff," McBride said.

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The idea for an app surfaced during the planning process for the county library's new website. "We wanted customers to be able to access the new site from a variety of devices. SLCL mobile enhances the library's existing social media efforts—allowing customers to connect with the library through a variety of mediums," said McBride.

"Another nice perk of the app, is that it makes downloading eMedia much simpler."

Additional features include:

  • Event feeds—view and register for events based on age group, date or type
  • eMedia downloads directly to smartphones or tablets
  • Booklook—scan a book barcode and see if it’s in the library’s catalog
  • Databases—access select databases including Novelist, World Book and WorldCat

Through SLCL Mobile's new text messaging service, customers can text questions to reference librarians. The service can be reached by texting to 314-649-SLCL (7525);it is available Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note that standard text message rates may apply.

Editor's Note:  McBride said it's too early to have gotten customer feedback, with the app just going live this week. But Patch readers can try it out, and share their feedback right here within the comments section of this article.


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