Graham McCarthy and Steven Marsden from Ryerson University Library & Archives received the 2011 Ontario Library and Information Technology Association (OLITA) Award for Technological Innovation. Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Marsden launched the Ryerson Library Barcode Scanner as part of Ryerson mobile on 7 October 2010, which was downloaded from the Apple App Store 2,046 times between 7 October and 15 December 2010. The Android version was downloaded 232 times during that same time period.
For the two years leading up to the launch of the scanner, Ryerson University Library & Archives conducted a survey to gauge students’ use of mobile technologies. This research helped determine their development criteria for their innovative mobile applications, which in turn helped enhance their users’ experience.
About the Ryerson Library Barcode Scanner
Graham McCarthy and Steven Marsden created applications for iPhone, iPod Touch and Google Android mobile devices that integrate the University’s mobile website with a library oriented ISBN/QR barcode scanner application.
Users scan a book’s ISBN barcode with the application which then checks OCLC’s xISBN API for similar ISBN’s to look up in the library catalogue. If the item is located at the library, the availability of that item is displayed to the user. This allows patrons in a classroom environment, or in bookstores, to quickly see if the item is available at their library.
When a QR code is scanned, information contained in the barcode is decrypted and displayed on screen. For example, if the QR code contains a URL, the application will take you to the corresponding website.
About the OLITA Award for Technological Innovation
The OLITA Award for Technological Innovation is sponsored by OCLC Canada and recognizes the best example of technological innovation in one of the following categories:
- Library users: Applications that primarily benefit the library user.
- Library operations: Applications that are cost beneficial in the operation of the library and primarily benefit staff.
- Partnership: Technological innovations demonstrating partnerships and strategic alliances with industry, the community and other institutions.
- Leadership: For overall leadership in the application of technology in libraries.
Learn more about this award, including eligibility guidelines and submission requirements.
View videos and slide presentations from the Americas Regional Council Member Meeting and OCLC Canada Symposium on "Transformational Literacy"
On 25 May 2011, more than 50 individuals joined OCLC’s Canadian member-leaders and our guest speakers for an update on OCLC activities and our Symposium on Transformational Literacy. Bill Maes, Dalhousie University, and Joseph Hafner, McGill University, led the Americas Regional Council meeting at the Canadian Library Association (CLA) Conference, which took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The OCLC Symposium, Transformational Literacy: life stages and libraries, museums and archives, followed the ARC meeting and featured DeNel Rehberg Sedo, Mount Saint Vincent University, Tom Hickerson, University of Calgary, and David Pantalony, Curator of Physical Sciences and Medicine, Canada Science and Technology Museum.
View streaming videos and download presentations >>
We are pleased to announce that OCLC will offer free, live-online and self-paced training for many courses that cover Cataloging, Resource Sharing and FirstSearch services beginning July 1, 2011.
Advances in e-learning technologies and the increased demand for online learning have allowed us to offer more training while affording greater economies of scale. This makes it possible to pass these savings on to OCLC members in the U.S. and Canada by offering free training on the services members rely on most.
In April, OCLC announced that prices for Cataloging, Resource Sharing and Access would remain flat for the third consecutive year. Adding training at no additional cost further increases savings and the value of membership in the OCLC cooperative.
We want all members to be able to take full advantage of OCLC training and learning opportunities. OCLC trainers and training partners—Amigos, WiLS, Minitex, MLNC, MCLS, OHIONET and LYRASIS—will continue to offer a wide variety of classes and learning opportunities to help members refresh or maintain skills, ensure effective use of OCLC subscription services, and learn new applications to help members leverage their investments in the cooperative.
To find out more about training OCLC offers, sign up for courses and begin taking advantage of these new learning opportunities, please visit the OCLC Training Portal. On-site training or customized courses are still an option; simply contact Rachel Van Noord, Senior Manager, Member Training & Support Communities, by calling 1-800-848-5878, ext. 1322 (or 1-206-336-9222), or by sending an e-mail to vannoorr@oclc.org, to discuss specific interests and needs. (For OCLC members in Canada, please contact Manon Barbeau by calling 1-888-658-6583 or sending an e-mail to barbeaum@oclc.org.)
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