“We’ve already seen the popularity of iPads in Canada soar,” said Chad Smith, of Hybrid Forge. “We were pleased to work with the Yellowhead Library to develop this leading edge app that helps people find titles, reserve materials, renew books and much more. Libraries are so much more than people think and having us work on this app shows leadership in using technology to increase access.”

The Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) serves more than 250,000 residents in 48 municipalities, and 13,000 students in four school districts. “Because the territory is so expansive, the YourLibrary app can be extremely helpful,” said Kevin Dodds, Director of the Yellowhead Regional Library. “Materials unavailable in one library can be ordered from another library, for example, all from the user’s iPad.”

Watch the Youtube Video on YourLibrary

YourLibrary App Features for Patrons and Librarians:

• Search nearly three million materials in the TRACpac system including books, CDs, DVDs and other materials using a keyword, title, author or ISBN number
• View top 10 fiction and non-fiction listings
• Get advice on selections through the Novelist integrated readers’ advisory service
• Read book reviews written by readers from around the world
• Place, view or cancel holds on items
• Renew materials
• Check the status of the library account, search for other libraries in the YRL
• And, when checking materials out of the library, the app will display the cardholder’s barcode for easy scanning

“We’re hoping to expand the interest in this application – it’s certainly portable and can be customized for any library system.” said Chad. “The app is a free download for everyone, including those in the Yellowhead region – one more reason it’s easy and convenient!”

Watch the Shaw TV Interview by Stephanie Raddatz

ABOUT HYBRID FORGE

Hybrid Forge is an Edmonton-based firm providing comprehensive e-commerce integration, website design, and custom software development. Visit www.hybridforge.com for more.

April 26, 2010

Hybrid Forge and TRAC launch a new iPhone/iPod Touch app

Edmonton, AB. The Owl iLibrary application, a customizable iPhone and iPod Touch application developed and deployed for TRAC (The Regional Automation Consortium) by Hybrid Forge, is now commercially available for any library powered by the Polaris ILS.

“This is the first iteration of a very powerful and convenient tool that allows patrons to interact with their library from anywhere”, said Chad Smith, CTO at Hybrid Forge. “The iPhone provides a unique user experience over conventional mobile browser interfaces and with over 80 million iPhone and iPod Touch devices sold to date, native iPhone apps are a smart choice.”

TRAC has released the Owl iLibrary application as the “TRACpac” app and it is currently being used by patrons of TRAC, four partner library systems – Yellowhead, Northern Lights, Peace and Marigold library systems. See the TRACpac app demo on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_EY3YNrXFE

“The TRACpac app is a great way for patrons of the member libraries to find resources online – from wherever they are, whenever they want,” said Kevin Dodds, Director of the Yellowhead Regional Library, where the idea for the app was initially conceived. “An IPhone or iPod Touch user will have instant access to the combined resources of more than 150 libraries in Alberta, with holdings of nearly three million books, DVDs and other material. Best of all, this app can be downloaded for free.”

The Owl iLibrary for iPhone and iPod Touch includes these features:

• Search for books, CDs and DVDs online, by keyword, title, author or ISBN;
• View book details such as jacket image, summary, publisher and publication date;
• Display call numbers for locating items in the local library;
• Place holds on resources for pick-up at their local library, view hold details, cancel a hold, and renew items currently checked-out;
• Check book reviews by other visitors through your Chilifresh account;
• Display their account barcode on iPhone or iPod Touch for easy check-out;
• View any charges, fee and fines;
• Visit the Hybrid Forge website (http://www.hybridforge.com/iphone/owl-ilibrary/).

About Hybrid Forge

Hybrid Forge is a premiere Web application development company and provides custom iPhone development in support of business applications. For more information on Hybrid Forge, visit the website at www.hybridforge.com

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Geoff Kliza, President

Hybrid Forge

780-634-2979 ext. 500

-or-

Rob Zylstra, Client Services Manager

Yellowhead Regional Library

780-962-2003 ext. 233

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