What happened to the New West Library app?

Have you been trying to access the New West Public Library (NWPL) catalogue app?

It turns out the catalogue app didn’t get a fairytale ending, with NWPL choosing to get rid of it. Instead, patrons will be able to access the library through its website.

“When we got the app, the design for BiblioCommons—which is what we call our catalogue, what you see when you place a hold [on a book] at home—that was not initially designed to be responsive,” said Shelley Wilson-Roberts, NWPL’s manager of public service.

The term “responsive” refers to making an app or website usable across all devices, like phones, tablets, and desktop computers. With the website and the catalogue both being responsive —but the catalogue missing some functions—Wilson-Roberts says there was no need to keep both. Cutting the app also means some cost savings, though Wilson-Roberts wasn’t sure of the exact dollar amount.

The app, which has been in place at NWPL for about five years, was also not able to track metrics, which Wilson-Roberts says can help better inform how the library provides services.

“You’re looking at making good decisions with services and things you provide, and there was no way to find out how many people were using it,” explains Wilson-Roberts.

The library has also received feedback about the inability to store the barcode of a library card on a phone. Wilson-Roberts says if your library card is new enough, take a photo of the barcode, which should scan at the check-out machines. Wilson-Roberts notes this method won’t work if your card is older or if the lines on the barcode have become faint over time.

As for whether the library will bring back another app?

“In terms of technology, I know that right now there are no plans to get a new app, because [our website] is responsive,” says Wilson-Roberts.

If you need help getting used to using the browser instead of the app, NWPL has provided instructions for both iOS and Android users.