!!! The library's OPAC software was replaced in May 2022, so the Bib Weiden App V1 no longer works! Customized version 2 available now!!!
This free Android app enables convenient access via smartphone or tablet to the online catalog (OPAC) and the member accounts of the Weiden OPf regional library.
including cost control.
MOTIVATION
As "diligent" loan users of the Weiden regional library, we always found it very tedious to call up the OPAC website almost every day, enter the user data and, after several clicks, check which media we have to return so that we don't have to pay late fees.
Especially families with several accounts will certainly agree with me here.
The desire for an app that takes care of this tiresome routine work grew stronger and stronger. Based on an open source solution and a lot of effort for adjustments, the wish became reality.
In order to support the regional library, we decided after consultation to make the Bib App accessible to all users and to offer it here in the Play Store for free.
Features of the app (listing is being revised...):
- Separate display of media that are on loan, ready for collection and reserved
- Management of multiple accounts possible
- Renewal of borrowed media
- Pre-ordering of media (incl. selection of reservation box/information desk)
- Notification of media to be handed in (no guarantee)
- Improved display of media titles
- Search in the online catalog of the regional library
- Watch list for media
- If account data is older than 24 hours, it is automatically updated online (when the app is started/opened)
- Display of information from the regional library (e.g. opening times)
- Display of outstanding fees (no guarantee)
- Number by the app icon (in the launcher) shows the number of media marked in yellow and red, both media to be returned and media ready for collection (badge). Note: Most Android launchers support this feature.
- Media ready for collection in the account area: marking "yellow" if the medium can only be collected today and tomorrow; Marking "red" if the medium is only ready for collection today.
- Added feature for listing media of an account:
additional button "Alternative from cache" if a connection error to the bib server occurred; still able to view its media even if more than a day has passed since update
- From version 1.8.0 you can add widgets (!!!) to the home screen
(Number in "traffic light" to the right of the symbol in the widget: red: hand it in today; orange: hand it in soon; green: number of all remaining loans; number in the circle to the left of the symbol: media to be picked up)
In the event of any errors or feedback, please contact developer-m@gmx.de. Thanks!
_____________________________________________________
You can find the pre-release version of the app on Google Play under "My apps and games" -> "BETA" or unlock the BETA
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/de.mehta_it.opacclient
Note: Currently there is no BETA version for NEW OPAC software from May 2022!
__________________________________________________________
Data protection/data transmission:
All communication takes place directly via the Internet between your smartphone and the regional library server. Communication with the server is encrypted via HTTPS.
Your library card number and password are only stored on your device (in the app). Anonymous use of the app (i.e. without ID number and password) is possible, but this results in functional restrictions.
________________________
FAQs (V2: Widget not available)
Q: Widget: Text below the app icon doesn't change automatically every hour (=when it was last updated). Why?
A: Problem with communication between widget and app. Solution: Delete widget and add new one.
Status: 07/14/2022
This free Android app enables convenient access via smartphone or tablet to the online catalog (OPAC) and the member accounts of the Weiden OPf regional library.
including cost control.
MOTIVATION
As "diligent" loan users of the Weiden regional library, we always found it very tedious to call up the OPAC website almost every day, enter the user data and, after several clicks, check which media we have to return so that we don't have to pay late fees.
Especially families with several accounts will certainly agree with me here.
The desire for an app that takes care of this tiresome routine work grew stronger and stronger. Based on an open source solution and a lot of effort for adjustments, the wish became reality.
In order to support the regional library, we decided after consultation to make the Bib App accessible to all users and to offer it here in the Play Store for free.
Features of the app (listing is being revised...):
- Separate display of media that are on loan, ready for collection and reserved
- Management of multiple accounts possible
- Renewal of borrowed media
- Pre-ordering of media (incl. selection of reservation box/information desk)
- Notification of media to be handed in (no guarantee)
- Improved display of media titles
- Search in the online catalog of the regional library
- Watch list for media
- If account data is older than 24 hours, it is automatically updated online (when the app is started/opened)
- Display of information from the regional library (e.g. opening times)
- Display of outstanding fees (no guarantee)
- Number by the app icon (in the launcher) shows the number of media marked in yellow and red, both media to be returned and media ready for collection (badge). Note: Most Android launchers support this feature.
- Media ready for collection in the account area: marking "yellow" if the medium can only be collected today and tomorrow; Marking "red" if the medium is only ready for collection today.
- Added feature for listing media of an account:
additional button "Alternative from cache" if a connection error to the bib server occurred; still able to view its media even if more than a day has passed since update
- From version 1.8.0 you can add widgets (!!!) to the home screen
(Number in "traffic light" to the right of the symbol in the widget: red: hand it in today; orange: hand it in soon; green: number of all remaining loans; number in the circle to the left of the symbol: media to be picked up)
In the event of any errors or feedback, please contact developer-m@gmx.de. Thanks!
_____________________________________________________
You can find the pre-release version of the app on Google Play under "My apps and games" -> "BETA" or unlock the BETA
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/de.mehta_it.opacclient
Note: Currently there is no BETA version for NEW OPAC software from May 2022!
__________________________________________________________
Data protection/data transmission:
All communication takes place directly via the Internet between your smartphone and the regional library server. Communication with the server is encrypted via HTTPS.
Your library card number and password are only stored on your device (in the app). Anonymous use of the app (i.e. without ID number and password) is possible, but this results in functional restrictions.
________________________
FAQs (V2: Widget not available)
Q: Widget: Text below the app icon doesn't change automatically every hour (=when it was last updated). Why?
A: Problem with communication between widget and app. Solution: Delete widget and add new one.
Status: 07/14/2022
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