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.
What's Happening Now
Using a similar framework to our website redesign project, the Library app development will involve opportunities for patrons to provide insight and feedback throughout each phase of the project.
Based on focus group conversations and survey responses from over 3,000 people, we have 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.
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. We anticipate selecting a vendor and beginning the implementation phase of this project in Summer of 2024.
Help Us Test and Select Apps
As part of our process, we will give our community the opportunity to test demo apps from selected vendors and provide feedback. We are 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.
Testing will happen at several Library locations in June and patrons will be compensated for their time. We will contact you via email with specific information.
What's Happening Next
This project will involve multiple opportunities to provide feedback on a mobile app for the Library. Bookmark this page for updates on the project status.
Project phases:
- Discovery and Community Engagement
- Focus groups & surveys. - Complete
- Functionality
- Review & select priority functions for an app. - Complete
- Vendor demo apps evaluation by initial staff testing. Shortlisted apps selected for patron testing. - Complete
- Design & Usability Testing
- Usability testing with patrons and staff to inform final App vendor selection. - In Progress
- Implementation and Launch
- Testing and public launch.