Schlow app connects patrons with library services

Schlow Centre Region Library is getting technical.

The library unveiled My Library Card, an app for managing library cards and linking to library services.

Schlow IT services technician Michael Hayward began developing the app in August, though the investment for it was made in 2014 through the library’s mobile first website.

“That effort grew out of a primary focus of Schlow’s current strategic plan, which states ‘We are where you are,’ ” library head of IT services Nathaniel Rasmussen said. “At a time when consumer habits are changing almost every month, we identified a real need to adapt by placing our immensely popular resources and services in the palm of your hand.”

The app, which has storage space for multiple library card barcodes, enables access to Schlow’s website where people can operate their accounts.

“With the new app, parents can store their entire family’s Schlow library cards as eCards in one place,” Hayward said.

The app is free for Android phones and iPhones and can be found at the Google Play and iTunes stores. Schlow plans to share the app technology with other district libraries in the area, allowing them to create their own apps as well.

“At Schlow, we continuously assess the tools we use and provide to our community,” Rasmussen said. “While we have no specific plans for future app development, we recognize that technologies such as this app are a journey, not a destination. I would not be surprised if more apps or more features would appear in short order as a part of this process.”

Rasmussen also said he feels a good library reflects its community.

“Libraries are about connecting people with their passions, and as our customers continue to evolve and grow their passions, we plan on being right there with them,” Rasmussen said.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Schlow app connects patrons with library services."