Check library with new app

New technologies introduced by West Gippsland Libraries last week will greatly improve access to its range of services across Baw Baw, Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires.

A smartphone and tablet app enables residents to check the library’s more than 140,000 physical and electronic items - books, movies, audiobooks or music albums - at any time and from anywhere.

Chief executive officer Leanne Williams said the app enabled people to find, borrow and renew items and reserve tickets to free library events.

It also doubles as a library card that can be scanned at any of the library branches.

Ms Williams said the new app was a sign the region’s libraries were adapting to social and technological change.

Already about 35 per cent of users accessing the service’s website use a mobile device and she said the number would continue to increase.

“People are largely using the website site to search the catalogue, renew holds, check opening hours and access e-resources”.

The app allows mobile and tablet users to more easily and intuitively access the services the library has to offer from a device with which they are familiar, Ms Williams said.

The app can be downloaded by searching for “west Gippsland Libraries” in App Store or Google Play Store.