Renew Library Materials on Smartphone
Posted by Monte Maxwell.January 12th, 2011
Imagine you’re relaxing with friends or eating dinner and remember that you have an overdue library book. No need to rush to a computer or the library. If you have a smartphone, renewing a book is just a few thumb clicks away.
The WVU Libraries’ Mobile Web now enables users to renew books via a Web-enabled phone.
“We surveyed students about what services they’d like us to add to the Mobile Web, and they overwhelmingly asked for the ability to renew books,” said Penny Pugh, Head of Reference for the Downtown Campus Library.
The WVU Libraries launched their Mobile Web site last summer. Available at m.lib.wvu.edu, or through the link on the WVU Mobile Web page, the site provides access to the Libraries’ online catalog, MountainLynx, and mobile versions of EBSCOhost and RefWorks.
Along with renewing books, the site enables smartphone users to perform library research, find a book, locate an available computer at the Downtown Campus or Evansdale library, and ask a librarian a question.
Finding a workstation is simple. Detailed maps of the Downtown and Evansdale library, updated continuously, show available computers.
Ask a Librarian connects users with a librarian via Instant Message, email, phone, or texting. The services are staffed 9 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; and 2-11 p.m. Sunday.
Texting is available on all phones with texting capabilities. Simply text a message to 304-220-0919.
“If you can get a cell signal, you can get help from a librarian,” Pugh said.