Mobile App Project
We are researching the development of a mobile app to increase access to the Library system, enhance the online patron experience and attract new audiences.
Implementation and Launch Phase
We have now selected a vendor and are in the implementation phase of this project. When a beta version is ready we will invite patrons to test the app and give feedback before we launch in Q2 of 2025.
What We Have Completed
Discovery and Community Engagement
Based on focus group conversations and survey responses from over 3,000 people, we developed a list of mobile app features that are important or very important to our community, in particular our prioritized communities. These features include access to library information, materials and programming, personalization, communication, and customizability, and maps and navigational aids.
Functionality
This list of features informed our Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a mobile app for the Library. We released this RFP in 2023 and staff evaluated four vendor demo apps. From this evaluation we shortlisted two apps for patron testing.
Design & Usability Testing
As part of our process, we asked patrons to help us by participating in usability testing studies. We were especially interested in hearing from people with disabilities and communities most impacted by the digital divide, including communities of color, seniors, low-income communities, and limited proficiency or non-English speaking communities.
We hired a local human-centered design consultancy focused on government agencies, nonprofits and enterprises with a social-impact mission. They conducted demo app testing with patrons at several Library locations in September.
The results from these usability tests, combined with staff feedback, informed our final App vendor selection.