March 18, 2009

Orange County Library System (FL) Brings Library Catalog Access to iPhones™

Development Partnership Focuses on Innovative's AirPAC Product

Emeryville, CA—The Orange County Library System (FL) is providing iPhone™ access to its library catalog using Innovative's AirPAC product. A test-group of library users is now using iPhones to search the catalog, request items, and renew checked-out materials. This new capability launched in January 2009 as a development partnership between OCLS and Innovative.

"We see our users are rapidly adopting the iPhone," says Eric Atkinson, Head of Information Systems. "For example, a user at a Library Board of Trustees was recording the session with her iPhone. We also see them in the library. It is a very popular device and it is ideal for accessing media through Wi-Fi™ connections."

Six staff members at OCLS have worked closely with Innovative as part of a development partnership for the new AirPAC product. Says Digital Access Architect Cassie Shivers: "The ability for users to manage their account with the iPhone is a huge aspect. If you are 'out and about' you can request a title from wherever you are. If you see a book in a bookstore, hear one mentioned, whatever."

"We want to stay in business," Atkinson told The Orlando Sentinel. "If our user base is getting more and more comfortable with a new platform, we have to be out there, too. Amazon.com makes it really easy for you to get to their materials. We need to make it just as easy for the library patron to get to our materials."

Says Innovative Product Manager Alan Dyck: "It is exciting to see how the Orange County Library System is integrating the new AirPAC into their services. They really understand how making the catalog available from anywhere is perfect for many of their patrons. Clearly this was our goal in developing this product and it is just great to see that people are finding a branch of the library right in their pockets."

Pictures of an AirPAC running on an iPhone are available by writing pr@iii.com.

Wi-Fi™ is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

About Orange County Library System (FL)

The Orange County Library System (OCLS) serves a diverse population of more than 1.3 million with its Main Library and fourteen Branches. The library catalog lists more than 1.5 million items in the many formats, including DVDs and downloadables. OCLS brings value to the residents of the district through collections, staff, services, and facilities; and connects our changing community to the evolving world of ideas, information, and technology. Through continuous innovation, the Orange County Library System will create a well informed, well connected community, making Orange County a great place to live, learn, work, and play.