Make Your Smartphone Even Smarter with New Mobile Services Introduced this Fall

By Kevin Kidd

Do you have an iPhone, Android, iPod Touch, iPad, Blackberry or other mobile device? The Libraries have expanded the number of mobile services that can be delivered via your Smartphone. You can now access many services, previously available only through the website, on your phone. Connect to the BC Libraries wherever you go. Go to Mobile Services and check it out! Also check out Ken Liss, the Communication and History Librarian, walking you through some of the new services on YouTube.

The new mobile-optimized web application is designed to give you quick and convenient access to many library services. You can

  • View your current course schedule and see what is on reserve for those courses
  • Renew books and other materials you have checked-out from the libraries
  • Reserve study rooms in O'Neill Library
  • View library hours
  • Contact library staff by text, e-mail, or phone
  • Search mobile versions of key research databases
  • View new library acquisitions in your subject area
  • Access your RefWorks account in a special small screen version
Smartphones

But Wait! There's More to Come

The list above is just a set of beta services the BC Libraries are offering to mobile users. We are working furiously to add additional services:

  • Search Holmes One Search (BC Collections and Online Databases)
  • Check computer usage and availability in O'Neill Library
  • Locate a book on the shelf in O'Neill and Theology and Ministry Libraries
  • Place a request for a book or other library materials

We Need Your Input

Please let us know what you think about these new mobile library services. We would love to hear your comments, criticisms and brilliant ideas. Use the Comment link on the site to send mail from your phone, or feel free to e-mail us directly at kiddk.mobilelibrary@bc.edu.

Other Great Mobile Library Services and Apps

In addition to the new mobile library services we built for Boston College users, there are many useful library-related web sites optimized for mobile devices. Try those listed below, some links may only work on your mobile device.

Smartphones

For those of you with iPhones, the following databases have research apps you can install (many provide apps for Android and other mobile devices as well):

So, use the browser on your smartphone and go to Mobile Services. Remember, you can send feedback from your mobile device using the Comment link on the site or send e-mail to kiddk.mobilelibrary@bc.edu. We're waiting to hear from you. Enjoy!

Kevin Kidd, Systems Manager, O'Neill Library