– The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the apps currently available that can assist library personnel in reference and information services.
– Initially, 101 apps were identified as possible options for reference and information services. Through various evaluation methods, the list was reduced to 25 apps. Apps were excluded due to cost, function, reviews, currency and usability. Other apps were merely excluded due to time and length concerns of the publication.
– Overall, the apps included could be utilized by library staff in reference and information service, though not all are ideal in all library settings due to the requirement of subscriptions and user audiences.
– While there have been in recent years quite a few articles and books published on apps for librarians, there is very little published on how exactly librarians can use apps to answer reference questions and assist patrons. This article does not attempt to answer the greater question of app application in reference services, but does attempt to identify and evaluate apps that could be used in those instances. With more research and tablet and app training, librarians can begin to more effectively utilize apps at the service desk.
The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the apps currently available that can assist library personnel in reference or information services. The app evaluation section includes apps that focus on a particular subject or library resource. Due to the enormous number of apps that currently exist and the constantly changing environment of mobile technology, it is difficult to evaluate all possible apps that could assist in reference and information services. Before reviewing the selected apps, it is important to briefly discuss mobile technology and libraries and why app review articles, such as this one, are needed.
Mobile technologies and apps
Generally, libraries have been hesitant to adopt the newest popular technology due to the quickly changing technology environment, the uncertainty of technology in five or ten years and confusion as to how libraries can provide the same quality services and resources while utilizing the newest technology. With the emergence of smartphones and mobile apps, there was not a clear view on how and if libraries would be able to utilize the technology. Mobile apps appeared as an application on mobile devices such as a tablet or smartphone (Reitz, 2004/2014). With the emergence of the Apple iPhone in 2007 and the release of the first-generation tablets by 2011, libraries invariably saw the increase of this new technology and the associated library patron inquiries. As a result of the increased usage of mobile devices and apps, libraries created and provided services geared to mobile access, such as mobile-friendly Web sites, online public access catalogs, text-messaging services and apps for library resources (Griffey, 2012).
With more and more publications on how libraries and librarians can utilize mobile app technology, there is still a digital divide among librarians themselves, as well as the greater community. Nicole Henning, author of Apps for Librarians, convincingly argues why this is the time for librarians of all library types and departments to embrace app technology (Henning, 2014). Henning is not the first to urge libraries and librarians to embrace mobile technology. While many libraries have embraced mobile technologies, not all libraries have made the transition. After reviewing recent user statistics and case studies on mobile technologies, it is safe to say that, generally, libraries have adapted and attempted to incorporate tablets and apps into their services. Libraries provide resources and eBooks that can be accessed through an Apple or Android app. Some public libraries provide circulating iPads preloaded with a wide variety of apps and Nook Glowlight e-Readers preloaded with eBooks. Other libraries offer iPads to incoming students and iPads for professional library staff (Barnhart and Pierce, 2011; Griffey, 2012; Henning, 2014; Spina, 2014; Williamson, 2013; Wilson, 2013). The library literature also supports the full absorption of apps into the library realm, as it is full of articles from a variety of library professional publications covering app reviews, best apps for the year and apps for more specific professional usage. It appears, despite the large amount of articles, there is not much on how exactly librarians at reference and information service desks are meant to use apps to enhance library services.
It is important to clarify a few issues with app technology. First, apps are constantly created, discontinued and updated. Not all apps are created with the same quality, authority and accuracy. While evaluation is always vital when identifying an information source, it is even more necessary when locating, evaluating and selecting apps. Second, reviews are not as readily available due to the number of existing apps and the lack or quality of user reviews in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (2014). In many instances, librarians have to wait until an article or book of the most popular apps or the best apps for librarians is published before purchasing. Third, not all apps are free, and cost is not an automatic qualifier for the quality and content of the app. In other words, payment does not automatically mean the app will be better than a free alternative. Fourth, while libraries have generally embraced mobile technology, not all librarians are tech-savvy, app-using gurus with the answers to every patron inquiry and problem. While libraries have provided iPads and other tablets to their staff, it does not mean the staff knows how to utilize the technology. Finally, with the proliferation of publications in recent years and the fast-changing environment of technology, it can be difficult to identify the best apps for various subsets of librarianship and libraries, as, in some cases, the review of the app can become useless as compared to the longer usability time frame of book reviews.
Get app-savvy: app evaluation
The following apps are listed in alphabetical order, with the reviewers’ assigned subject categories and app cost listed below the title. Librarians can evaluate apps using the following set of criteria: price, platform, user interface, flexibility, security and privacy, age level and competitors (Spina, 2014). The following reviews include all of these criteria, with the exception of security and privacy, age level and competitors. The primary reason security and privacy were not considered in the review is because the reviewed apps did not require the user to create an account; this makes security and privacy issues largely irrelevant. It is also safe to assume that apps associated with a specific library resource, such as OverDrive Media Console, are not plagued by security and privacy issues. Initially, the reviewer planned on including the age level for each app, but realized quickly that the age level provided by the Apple App Store was not necessarily accurate, as most of the apps had a rating of 4+. Most of the following apps also allow for family sharing. Alternative app options are listed for some of the evaluated apps. The initial evaluation is based on the iOS version of the selected app and then compared to the information provided by the Google Play Store. The reviewer had access to an employer-provided iPad and a personally owned iPhone 4S and Nook HD tablet.
Accessmylibrary apps
Category: reference, research.
Cost: free (Gale subscription required).
Gale Cengage Learning provides four different editions of the Accessmylibrary app – school, public library, college and special. Accessmylibrary requires a valid library card to a subscribing library, though the app may not prompt for a library card. For example, the Arkansas State Library provides access to Gale Powersearch, which is the database behind the Accessmylibrary Public Library app, and therefore, the app does not prompt for a library card, as access is provided for everyone in Arkansas. It appears that the app has not been updated recently – the iOS version of the app was updated in December 2013, while the Android version was updated in 2012. The app requires the device location to locate nearby subscribing libraries. The search capabilities appear to be the same as the browser-based version with similar features. To search, the device must be connected to the Internet. The downsides of this app include lack of ongoing maintenance and improvement by Gale Cengage Learning and lack of the app layout once in the search screen. Once a search has been conducted, the search appears as it would in the mobile device Internet browser and no longer has the same app layout or structure. While initially this appeared to be a good, free database app, it is actually better for the user to use the browser on a mobile device or computer, as there are no significant benefits of using the app.
Ancestry app
Category: anthropology, genealogy, history
Cost: free (Ancestry.com subscription required)
Ancestry, the seller of the Ancestry app, is one of the leading online communities for those interested in genealogy. With the millions of user profiles and uploaded content, users can access photographs, documents and more. The searchable content also includes information that was acquired by the company such as social security records, death and birth records and USA population census (Ancestry, 2014). Through the Ancestry app, users can access this valuable, rich resource on their mobile devices which can enhance the process of genealogical research. The app is actively maintained and updated and is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The iOS version of the app is available in six different languages. Ancestry requires a membership to search the complete database and save created content. There is a library edition available for users with a valid library card to a subscribing library, though users should contact their library to ensure this option is available. While there are many positive aspects of this database, such as the ability to conduct a simple or advance search that sifts through millions of records originally found only in print and being able to locate and improve family trees through this large user community, there are some significant issues that should be mentioned. First, like any historical record, we must allow for a certain number of errors in digitization, item record descriptions and genealogical information entered. Not all information found in Ancestry is created or added using the same technology and research standards. In some cases, the description of the historical document may not have correct information due to the quality of the original document. As with any genealogical source, it is vital to double- or triple-check the information and documentation. Many public libraries are now providing Ancestry as one of their library databases, though there may still be restrictions on that access, such as in-library use only. The Ancestry app most likely will only benefit those with an individual account.
Art Authority for iPad app
Category: art
Cost: $4.99 (iPhone), $9.99 (iPad)
The Art Authority for iPad app, according to the Apple App Store, was credited as a well-rated app in the New York Times and MacObserver as well as rated by the Apple App Editorial Team as the best reference app available for the iPad (iTunes, 2014). Glowing reviews of this app are also available in the Apple App Store by users. This is an impressive app, as it provides images of paintings and sculptures by well-known artists, dating back to the classical period. With over 70,000 items, the app is organized like an actual museum with “rooms” themed by historical periods. Users can browse and search by title, subject or location. The app is also maintained and updated, with the last update in October 2014. The app is provided by Open Door Networks, Inc., and is only available for iOS devices. The benefits of this app are numerous. The app allows users to view art and sculpture that might otherwise not be possible. In an educational scenario, the app could assist in critical and creative thinking. Negative aspects include the content available in the app, as it may violate the permissions of parents if used in an educational classroom scenario with minors. The different versions for devices may not contain the same content or the same amount of content given that the version for the iPhone has not been updated since 2013.
Atlas by Collins app
Category: geography
Cost: $1.99 (iOS only)
The Atlas by Collins app, which is provided by Harper Collins Publishers, is available only on the iOS platform. Besides the initial app cost, users have the option of purchasing additional downloadable globes. The Atlas by Collins app includes nine themed and two UNESCO globes with the option to pay for new globe releases and delete unwanted globes. The globes that are currently available include the UNESCO Memory of the World and World Heritage globes and nine other themed globes. The globe themes include development, economy, satellite map, physical map, political, environment, population, communications and energy. With this app and the in-app purchased globes, users can access globes that showcase the physical features of Earth; historical maps; state, territory and country boundaries; environmental issues due to human impact; population growth and trends; technology impacts; and more. The app is regularly updated and maintained, with the last update in October 2014. The app is only available in English. This unique app pulls a variety of social science topics and puts them into one app, viewable in a globe format. With a user-friendly interface, this app could be utilized by users of different ages and educational levels. The significant drawback to the app is the requirement of in-app purchases in addition to the required app cost.
Black’s Law Dictionary app
Category: law, political science, reference
Cost: $54.99 (iOS only)
The newest edition of the authoritative work, Black’s Law Dictionary, is now available as an app only through the iOS platform. The Black’s Law Dictionary (9th edition) app, provided by Thomson Reuters, offers the same reputable content as the print version in an app format that can easily be taken anywhere on an iOS device. Due to the app cost, the reviewer did not purchase the app, but it is safe to say that this app purchase is a wise one for law librarians and law libraries providing mobile reference services. Unlike the print edition, the app allows users to search, bookmark and access hyperlinked cross-references. Of the many benefits, one particularly useful feature is that the app can be used on- or offline. Possible drawbacks could include the app only being available in English and focusing primarily on legal terms used in the US legal system.
Bloomberg app
Category: business, finance
Cost: free
The Bloomberg app, provided by Bloomberg Financial LP, provides free access to business and financial news as well as stock market data at the national and international level. Through the app tools, users can personalize the app to monitor the things that interest them the most. This app is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The features include access to breaking news and top stories, market data, customizable watch lists, media and analytical tools. For those with an account, users can personalize the app, sync the content to browser-based web access and share information via social media. This is an excellent app for those interested in business and finance, as well as students, librarians and educators. The only negative aspect to this app is that, despite the wealth of international information, the app is only available in English.
Congressional Record
Category: history, law, political science
Cost: free (iOS only)
Thanks to the Library of Congress, the Congressional Record app is available, though only for iOS devices. The Office of the Clerk of the USA House of Representatives, the Government Publishing Office and the Office of the Secretary of the Senate provided the data that exist in the Congressional Record app. Users can search or browse the Congressional Record app by date (January 24, 1995 – present) or search by keyword. Users can also search a particular document or section of a document. Documents can also be shared via email or saved as a PDF. The app interface is extremely easy to use, as it has two primary options: select an issue by publication date or browse by daily digest, House section, Senate section, extensions of remarks section or entire issue. Users can also view an ongoing ticker of the House and Senate floors for the present day. The interface may be limiting in that the user must select an issue or document before the app will provide a search option. The primary benefit of this app is that it allows access to the Congressional Record in an easy-to-navigate manner and access to information that, if found through the Congressional Record in Congress.gov, might be more difficult for the user to locate. Other apps to consider include My Congress, the White House and Congress Pro.
Cooks Illustrated app
Category: food science, health
Cost: free (iOS only)
The Cooks Illustrated app, provided by Boston Common Press LP, is an excellent companion to CooksIllustrated.com. Though a membership may be required for CooksIllustrated.com, this app can be used with or without an online subscription. There is a significant benefit for those with a membership to CooksIllustrated.com, as the majority of the content requires a login. For those without a login, there is the option for a one-day pass into the app. The app is easy-to-navigate with clearly defined sections and content. The features include searching and browsing by category. The categories consist of recipes, taste tests, equipment, shopping list and favorites. The app is only available through the Apple App Store. For those with a membership, the app provides 50 of the best-rated recipes, videos and photos, product reviews and more. There are many benefits to this app, as it allows easy access to well-rated and approved recipes and culinary information by professionals that can be accessed and understood by non-chefs. This app is maintained as a companion to the widely known periodical, Cooks Illustrated. The most significant negative feature of this app is the fact that the majority of the content is only available for those with a membership to CooksIllustrated.com
EleMints: Periodic Table app
Category: science
Cost: free, $4.99 (iOS only)
EleMints: Periodic Table app and its free counterpart, Mild EleMints: Free Periodic Table app, are only available through Apple App Store. Provided by Mochi Development, this is an easy-to-use and navigate app with a great, colorful interface. The EleMints app shows the whole periodic table, which allows users the option to select a particular element as well as change the category of the periodical table (classification, physical state, crystal structure, electronegativity, melting point, boiling point, density, specific heat, atomic weight, emp, atomic radius, calc. atomic radius, covalent radius, Van der Waals radius, triple covalent radius and metallic radius). Users can also view the electronegativity scale, browse by element category and type, view articles and access additional tools. The benefits of this app are obvious, as, even compared to the free version of the app, the accessibility and flexibility of the app allow the user to do much more. The free version of the app only allows the user to view the periodic table in the classification category. Another benefit of the premium version of the app, besides the wide variety and abilities of the tools included, is the information available on each element. For example, AU (gold) item description includes the classification information, atomic properties, thermo properties, ionic radius, ionization energies, binding isotopes and links to articles.
Encyclopaedia Britannica app
Category: reference
Cost: free (iOS), $19.99 (Android)
The Encyclopaedia Britannica app is available for both iOS and Android platforms and is provided by Encyclopaedia Britannica. Inc. Despite the cost for Android devices, this app is still a good, solid reference app for users of various skill and knowledge levels. The app is only available in English. There are different app versions of the Encyclopedia Britannica that are available in different languages, though those versions are not necessarily all provided by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Like the print and browser-based version, the Encyclopedia Britannica app provides approximately 80,000 articles and includes well-known contributors. Users can search or browse the alphabetical listing. The app also includes photos, charts and hyperlinked cross references. Users can also personalize it with their favorites. There are many benefits to this app, such as user access to an authoritative, generalist reference encyclopedia anywhere on one’s mobile device. Users are able to conduct searches and find answers quickly and at their convenience. The major negative aspect to this free app is the required annual subscription of $14.99, which provides unlimited access to all the content.
Goodreads app
Category: reader’s advisory, reading, reference
Cost: free
There are many ways that librarians can provide readers’ advisory. For libraries looking for a low-budget way to provide readers’ advisory without having to subscribe to paid options, Goodreads is a good choice. The Goodreads app is available for both iOS and Android platforms. Goodreads is one of the most popular social media sources for book recommendations and reading lists. Users can search Goodreads with or without an account. For users who want to search for a title, author or ISBN or browse by topic, there is no account required. For users who want to network with friends, create and share reading lists and provide ratings and reviews on books, then creating a free Goodreads account would be a good option. The app has all of the same features as the browser-based version while also maintaining an easy-to-navigate, clean and understandable app interface. The Goodreads app, created by Goodreads, Inc., is regularly updated and maintained and is available in English and Italian. The layout of the app does slightly vary, depending on whether it is the iOS or Android version. Despite some stylistic differences, the features are generally the same in either version, as both have links for viewing the bookshelf, explore, search, scan (this feature depends on the capability of the device and version), recommendations and more. It appears that the Apple version of the app does include more features than the Android version, but both versions are highly usable and quality apps. The reviewer is an active user of Goodreads and could not identify any negative aspects to the app.
Google Earth app
Category: anthropology, geography, history
Cost: free
One of the many apps available from Google, Inc., the Google Earth app is a visually stimulating app that provides a 3D image of Earth. Despite not being updated since June 2013, it is still an excellent, engaging and fun app to use in a variety of methods from directional questions to research consultations and library instruction sessions. It is also available in 30 different languages and is free on both iOS and Android platforms. Users can create an account or use it as a guest. Through the hidden sidebar, users can search, browse or add/remove map layers. Map layers include places, businesses, panoramic photos, Wikipedia, boards and labels, roads, 3D buildings and oceans. Other maps are available – Google Earth gallery, my maps and map engine. For my maps and map engine, users are required to login. This app is an excellent example of the many different niche apps that are available. It is probably not going to be an app that is constantly used, but will definitely be handy when an interaction occurs that requires the assistance of Google Earth. The reviewer has taught library instruction sessions using only Google Earth, so there are some possibilities for using it as a teaching tool or in a research consultation. The main issue with this particular app is the fact that it has not been updated since June 2013. Other comparable apps to consider include Google Maps and Apple Maps.
IMDb app
Category: media, reference
Cost: free
The IMDb app is another great app available on both iOS and Android platforms. This app has the same capabilities and search structure as its browser-based counterpart, but compacted into an easy-to-navigate, albeit slightly cluttered, app. Through the app, users can look up current information such as movie times, television lists and summaries of currently airing television shows. Users can also look up release dates for DVD and Blu-Ray titles as well as see what movies are presently popular. Through the simple search bar, users can search for movie titles, actors, directors and other persons associated with film production as well as fictional character names. IMDb also provides audiovisual materials such as movie trailers. With movie reviews, quotes and trivia about movies, real and fictional persons and more, users will have access to a wealth of information. This is a very valuable resource, particularly for librarians in public or school libraries. With critic and user reviews along with accurate movie, actor and fictional character information, it can benefit both library staff and library users in a variety of ways. The reviewer could only identify one negative aspect of this app, which consisted of the vast amount of information available and the somewhat cluttered look of the app. For those who are not tech-savvy, the app could be difficult to initially navigate.
Kindle app
Category: reading, reference
Cost: free (account required)
The Kindle app is available for both the iOS and Android platforms. Provided by Amazon, this app allows the user to read eBooks and periodicals on a clean, easy-to-use interface. Users have access to one million eBooks and hundreds of periodical titles through the Kindle Store. The app is regularly updated and maintained by Amazon. It is available in nine different languages, including English, Chinese, French, German and Spanish. The app does require the user to create and use an Amazon account and an associated payment method. The layout is fairly easy to use and looks similar across multiple platforms. Each time the app is opened, it automatically goes to one’s collection, where all the purchased titles can be seen or sorted by location of the item (i.e. in the cloud or on the device). If the device is connected to the Internet, users can also sync the app to reflect any new collection additions. Users can modify their settings, search the whole Kindle Store or by format or field and browse. The Kindle app is fairly easy to use. There is not a steep learning curve nor an overabundance of features, as the app has a clean, basic interface. While this is a great reading app, it is important to also mention the drawbacks. For users wanting to checkout library eBooks from OverDrive, the process for doing so has a few more steps than other Apple or Android devices, as the book must be checked out and returned through Amazon instead of OverDrive. This can be difficult if there is an issue with the checkout and check-in functions, as the user will have to contact Amazon directly. Other negative features include the limitations of only being able to read Kindle books. This is an issue that plagues not only the Kindle app but also is an issue for the iBooks, Google Play Books and Nook apps. While Amazon advertises that there are over a million books available, it is important to note that the quality and readability of those books ranges greatly and many of those books do not include user reviews. This issue is magnified due to the fact that there are a large number of free books, which can be difficult to evaluate due to the lack of cost, review or indication on the quality and readability of the book. There is also a wide range of digitization processes, ensuring the book layout and structure vary greatly. Due to the wide variety of formats, book reading options are also limited, as not all books have the feature of modifying the size and font of the text and in some cases, the books may contain computer language text that was not part of the original manuscript.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary app
Category: reference
Cost: free
Merriam-Webster, Inc., is one of the leaders in dictionary publishing. With their expertise, they provide a free Merriam-Webster Dictionary app that is available for both iOS and Android platforms. For those wanting an app that includes a dictionary and thesaurus, there is also the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus HD app ($3.99, iOS only). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app, which was recently updated in October 2014, is available in English and includes definitions, text and voice search, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences. The app also provides quick-access definitions as well as a word of the day and vocabulary quizzes. Users can customize the app to include their favorites. The app provides the option for users to purchase an upgrade, view recommended apps, provide feedback and app review and share the app. The voice search is provided by Dragon. This is an easy-to-use app that provides understandable definitions. The only negative aspect of the app is that the dictionary and thesaurus bundle is not free. For those interested in alternatives to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary app, other apps to consider include Dictionary.com, Chambers Thesaurus, World Reference Dictionary, Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary and Word Lookup Free.
Myscript Calculator app
Category: education, mathematics
Cost: free
Myscript Calculator app, provided by Myscript, is a unique handwriting calculator that is available for Apple and Android devices. Through this app, users can use a calculator to complete math equations while doing so in their own handwriting without the use of a keyboard. Users can use their fingers or a stylus to write out simple or complex math equations. To start a new equation, simply click the delete button in the app or make a scratch-out gesture. The app accepts arithmetic, algebra and trigonometry operations. Through the app sidebar, users can access the calculator, tutorial, news, and settings. This is a fantastic app and one that can help students and educators, individually or as a group. While calculators do take the place of learning how to work through mathematic equations, this app can assist those who do not understand math. This app could particularly help school and public librarians as they assist students with homework and understanding complex topics. The reviewer could not identify any negative aspects. Other math apps available for consideration include Wolfram Alpha, Math Formulas, Minds of Modern Mathematics and Algebra Touch.
Nook app
Category: reading, reference
Cost: free (account required)
The Nook app, provided by Barnes and Nobles, offers access to over three million books, including approximately one million free titles. Like the Kindle Store, the quality of these titles varies greatly, though it appears that the lesser-quality titles are not nearly as unreadable as some titles in the Kindle store. With the recent changes in the Barnes and Noble Nook product line, it is unclear if the Nook app will ultimately be maintained by Barnes and Noble, as the last update to the iOS version of the Nook app was January 2014. The Nook app is available in both the iOS and Android platforms. Through the app, users can also modify account and app settings. It is available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Due to the relationship between the Nook product line and the Android platform, it does require users to have a Google account as well as an account for Barnes and Nobles. While the reviewer does own a Nook HD tablet and prefers to read eBooks on that device instead of an iPad, it should be noted that the Nook Store is more restrictive than its competitors. To download anything from the Nook Store, the user must have a Barnes and Noble account and a payment method must be attached to the account. From the Nook app, there is not a way to search the Nook Store, as the app only allows for users to view and read titles already added to their account. It has an extremely simple interface and is very easy to use, but is exceedingly limited, as it only functions for reading books already in the associated account. While this is a good app, it may not be the best option for non-Nook devices. For those looking for platform-specific eBook readers, iBooks and Google Play Books are available.
OverDrive Media Console app
Category: reading, reference
Cost: free
OverDrive is one of the most common eBook and audiobook providers to public and corporate libraries. With over 30,000 libraries worldwide, users can easily access, search and download eBooks and audiobooks to their device using the OverDrive Media Console app and a valid library card at a subscribing library. The OverDrive Media Console app is available for both iOS and Android devices. OverDrive updates the app regularly, though the app is available only in English. The app has a variety of features that are easy to access and use. Some of the features vary, depending on whether the app is for an iOS or Android device, but both versions allow for in-app title renewal, delete selected titles and return and delete selected titles. It is important to note that the device must be connected to the Internet when returning a title from the app. Many stylistic options are available in the app, such as font size and type, zoom, background color, bookmarks, dictionary and more. It does allow one to sync multiple devices on one account so that users can read a selected title on multiple devices without losing their place in the book. Many of the glitches of previous years have been ironed out, and the process for checking out and returning books is ideal and painless, as is the reading experience. Unlike the format issues that occur with the other reading apps, all of the books available have the same format, quality and features. As far as users are concerned, the only downside to this app is the requirement of a valid library card from a subscribing library. Alternatives to OverDrive Media Console app include the app for the 3M Cloud Library and Bluefire, which is required to read EBSCOhost-provided eBooks on iOS and Android devices. Both of these apps are free, though 3M Cloud Library does require a valid library card from a subscribing library, and eBooks through EBSCOhost are available for subscribing libraries.
Peterson’s Birds Pocket Edition app
Category: nature, reference, science
Cost: $3.99 (iOS only)
Provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the Peterson’s Bird Pocket Edition app and its print counterparts provide reputable, easy-to-understand and access information that can be used for educational or leisure purposes. The app offers accessible information about birds located in North America. With illustrations, bird songs and other information, this app can be used in-house or out in the field, online or offline. The app also provides information on approximately 800 species which users can search or browse by name, state, song or location. While the app has not been updated since 2013, the Peterson’s field guides are still a reputable source. The app is only available in English. For those wanting more than the pocket edition, there is a Peterson Birds app, which would provide more content, that is available for iOS devices for $14.99. For those looking for an alternative to the Peterson’s Bird Pocket Edition, the Peterson Birds and Chirp! Bird Songs in the USA+ apps are available.
Scoop.it app
Category: media, news
Cost: free
Through the Scoop.it app, users can organize and share information that fits their particular interests. Provided by Scoop.it Inc., this app gives users the option to create an account (to customize it, an account will be needed) and select topics and areas in which they are interested. Users can browse and follow particular topics, people or interests as well as share those “scoop.it” items on their associated social media accounts. Through the semi-hidden sidebar, users can search, browse by subject, bookmark items and view selected topics. The subjects available include art and culture, design, education, food and lifestyle, green and sustainability, health, science, social media, technology and travel and tourism. This app is fairly easy to use and has an easy-to-navigate interface. Each news item that appears in the app news listing has a small green “scoop.it” button. Scooping articles and news stories is extremely easy and fast. The app can be incorporated into class projects, case studies, research consultations that require popular news articles and other projects where a specific topic is being researched. For those following a particular news topic or trend, this can be a useful tool. Despite the benefits, there is some redundancy between it and other types of social media such as Pinterest. For more social media and tech-savvy users, the differences may seem obvious, but it does leave the reviewer questioning the necessity for yet another type of social media source. Alternative free app options include Flipboard and Pocket. For those who do not want to use apps like Scoop.it, there are apps for specific newspapers, magazines or television networks. Many of those apps are available for both iOS and Android platforms, though newspaper or magazine subscriptions may apply.
Shazam app
Category: music
Cost: free
Both iOS and Android device users can download the Shazam app for free, or pay ($6.99 iOS, $5.59 Android) for Shazam Encore. The major difference between the two versions is that Shazam Encore is advertisement-free. Both versions are provided by Shazam Entertainment Ltd. Shazam offers a few different music features – identifying music and television, preview and purchase music, sing along, music videos and listening to the radio. It does allow for music recommendations and sharing capabilities to social media. For television, Shazam provides show look-ups for cast, episodes and soundtracks. The apps are regularly maintained (last updated November 2014). Shazam is available in 14 languages. Both versions are available on either Apple or Android products, though the music store is linked to either iTunes or Google Play Music, depending on the device platform. The app is fairly easy to navigate. To identify music or a television show, a user simply presses the large “s” button located on the app. Depending on the volume of the sound, the user may have to try multiple times before the app will identify the sound. Located on the bottom tool bar are links to home, favorites, news, explore (search) and settings. For persons who have a difficult time remembering song or band names, this is a beneficial app that provides a quick response in identifying music. Shazam provides up-to-date information on current music trends and popular songs and artists. The app drawbacks include the requirement to be connected to either the Internet or cellular data and being within proximity to the song or television show the user wants to identify. If the user, device and app are too far away from the song emitter, there is a larger chance that Shazam will not be able to identify the item. An alternative option to the Shazam app is SoundHound app.
SpringerLink app
Category: research, reference, science
Cost: free
The SpringerLink App, provided by Springer, is a partially free and subscription library database service that provides access to a wide variety of academic resources, such as articles and books, in the science disciplines. Users can access items with bibliographic information and attached full-text items without a subscription. While the reviewer does not have a subscription to this particular resource, one can assume that more full-text documents would be available with a subscription. While this app is fairly easy to navigate and includes the usual limiters and fields as other library databases, its major flaw is that the app version looks identical to the browser-based version. It seems pointless to download a free app only to get the same layout, structure and functionality of the browser version.
USA Constitution: Analysis and Interpretation app
Category: history, law, political science
Cost: free (iOS only)
Like the Congressional Record app, the Library of Congress also provides an app for the USA Constitution: Analysis and Interpretation. This app offers a clause by clause discussion of the USA Constitution as well as a discussion of all the Supreme Court cases and a selection of historical documents relevant to the USA Constitution. Users can also access a list of cases that were denied or overturned by the Supreme Court. With the simple interface, users can select to search all materials located in the app or browse an alphabetical list of the app contents. Once a document is selected, users can save or share the PDF. Like the Congressional Record app, the basic structure of the app is both a positive and negative aspect. For those with little knowledge of the USA Constitution, the app will be an excellent starting point., though it will be less beneficial for users with extensive knowledge. While this may seem trivial, the app name – Conan – could have been improved.
World Book eBook app
Category: reference
Cost: free (subscription required)
The World Book eBook app is one of many apps provided by the publisher World Book Inc. Recently updated and maintained, users can access the app in either English or Korean. Like many of the World Book print and electronic resources, the app is full of quality illustrated titles geared for audiences of all ages. The titles can only be accessed by users with a valid library card to a subscribing library; users cannot access the content section of the app without providing login information.
World Factbook 2014 HD app
Category: reference
Cost: $1.99 (iOS only)
The World Factbook 2014 HD app is produced and sold by Csaba Kertesz and jDictionary Mobile. While the name and description of this app have a significant reputation for quality print resources, it can be difficult to know if that credibility continues into the app formats, particularly when the publisher is unknown. This issue plagues many apps currently on the market and is not a unique issue to this app. Despite the hesitations of the reviewer, this app is still worth consideration. With only an initial cost of $1.99, the app provides up-to-date information for over 250 countries in the world. Topics include environment, religion, politics, governmental systems, ethnicities and other socioeconomic and cultural topics. With no Internet required, this is an app that can be utilized anywhere on an iOS device and has a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate interface. The app provides a search and browse function, which appears when the user selects the magnifying glass icon. Once a country has been selected, users can access a map and various topics about the country. For example, the country of Armenia includes a map and sections on geography, people, government, economy, energy, communications, transportation, military, transnational issues and flag information. The drawbacks of the app include lack of information on where the included information comes from, the currency of the information and author credibility.
Conclusion
For apps to assist in reference and information services, librarians must understand the technology, use the technology often and know what apps are available and how the user can benefit. One of the major issues with apps and the associated mobile technology is that, in many cases, the devices and their apps are not necessarily meant for multiple users and library circulation. Many of the available apps are meant to be customized to the needs of a particular individual. Many of the apps are not necessarily geared for reference and information services due to the fact that the criteria librarians use to locate electronic materials from library subscription databases do not completely apply to the available apps. The constantly changing app environment, the fast turnover rate and expiration of app reviews in professional literature and the constant question of “Can I really use this app to answer a reference question?” make the process of identifying and evaluating apps for reference and information services a difficult task. In this review, apps were identified and reviewed based on the current information provided by the app stores and the apps themselves. However, as library literature has proven, the usability and availability of these apps can change overnight. Despite the difficulties of identifying apps for reference interactions, this review has attempted to highlight some well-known apps as well as some that may be less-known. Some of the reviewer’s favorite apps in this review included the EleMints: Periodic Table, Goodreads, IMDb, Myscript, OverDrive Media Console, Scoop.it and Shazam.
