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WorldCat.org : Features : Mobile apps

WorldCat.org Mobile beta

OCLC has evolved WorldCat.org's mobile capabilities from a pilot project began in January 2009 to now a browser-based mobile-specific site available in beta release.

Developed by OCLC, mobile views are optimized for use on Apple iOS and Android platforms. Optimization for other smartphone browsers such as Blackberry and Windows 7 Mobile as well as feature phone support is coming soon.

On the site at worldcat.org/m, any user can search for library materials, see cover art (if available), e-mail a link or citations and get location-based holdings information for nearby libraries. Users can also get library details such as map/directions, and visitor information such as hours and phone numbers. From WorldCat.org/m, users are connected to the library's online catalog to see shelf status and reserve information.

Test out the site by trying some suggested searches at worldcat.org/m.

Send feedback

The mobile beta release is designed for you to give feedback about what you and your users really need. Send your mobile-related comments to worldcatmobilepilot@oclc.org.

Selected partner-developed apps

Many partner-developed, third-party apps are also available that make use of WorldCat and WorldCat Registry data. For this reason, all libraries (regardless of WorldCat status) are encouraged to keep their Registry profile up-to-date. New potential partners are encouraged to contact OCLC.

RedLaser iPhone app

iPhone users can find library results through an app developed by Occipital called RedLaser. It's currently the #1 Utility Paid App in the iTunes App store, and one of the most popular Paid apps overall for iPhone.

RedLaser works by scanning an item's barcode and providing results so you can compare prices. Local library listings are included in the results sets for books, made possible through the WorldCat Search API and WorldCat Registry APIs.

RedLaser is currently available in the U.S. for books only. iPhone users can download the app for US$ 1.99 through Apple's iTunes app store.

Pic2Shop iPhone app

pic2shop is another barcode scanning app for iPhone and Android that includes local library results. Created by Vision Smarts, a technology company based in Belgium, Pic2shop uses the WorldCat Search and WorldCat Registry APIs to help consumers compare costs at various retailers and now local libraries.

A free download through Apple's iTunes App store or the Android marketplace, pic2shop works in all countries and they're working on translations. Download the iPhone or Android app for free.

Book Bazaar iPhone app

Book Bazaar is another free iPhone app that includes library results via WorldCat. Developed by Bayview Labs in Mountain View, CA, Book Bazaar lets a user type in a title, author, keyword or ISBN to compare prices for books at online or local bookstores, and now libraries.

Developer Rizwan Virk says, "Book Bazaar is made for book lovers who want to find a specific book right away. The best and easiest way to find a book is at a local library, and so we want to support local libraries as much as possible." Available for U.S. users at the moment, download the app in the iTunes app store.

See all the partner-developed apps on the Developer Network application gallery.