Library Apps and More

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September is library card sign-up month. Do you have a library card? The Department of Public Instruction indicates that six out of 10 residents are registered library users. Your public library is an excellent resource.

For example, in additional to their outstanding collection, Milwaukee Public Library offers online access to numerous databases including PropertyLink (property tax, ownership and assessment data), Associations Unlimited (directory of nonprofit organizations) and CQ Researcher (succinct unbiased reports on topics in the news). Researchers will find that libraries usually maintain local historical information and full text local news.

Already have a library card? Have a Smartphone? Check to see if your library offers an App. My library, for example, offers BookMyne for iPhones. Downloading BookMyne allows the user to search the catalog, renew items, and handle holds. McMurry University offers a great overview on how to use BookMyne.

Another fun tool is WorldCat Mobile. This is a great App for researchers. It allows users to “search for library materials using search terms such as keywords, author or title, then find a WorldCat library near you that owns it by entering your postal code or location. You can also call the library directly-just highlight and click the number-and map a route with the software already on your device.”