[Koha] Possible APP development

[Joann Ransom]

We could probably chip in with a wee bit of funding too, Sue 

-----Original Message-----
From: Koha [mailto:koha-bounces at lists.katipo.co.nz] On Behalf Of Chris Cormack
Sent: Thursday, 10 April 2014 10:13 a.m.
To: Sue McMillan
Cc: koha at lists.katipo.co.nz
Subject: Re: [Koha] Possible APP development

* Sue McMillan (sue.mcmillan at STDC.govt.nz) wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> 
> After a brainstorming session this morning I have come up with the idea of an Apple and Android app that give users the ability to manage their Koha account without signing in the library catalogue. Not knowing the limitations of apps (so I may be asking for too much!) these are the features that I  feel patrons would find useful in a Koha app. There may be other crucial tasks that I haven't listed below that other libraries or patrons would find useful.
> 
> 1.	The app keeps the patron signed in (probably by entering their Library card number and password into the app)
> 2.	Lists all resources currently issued to their card (or maybe the ones due in the next x number of days?)
> 3.	Alerts patrons to resources that are coming up overdue.
> 4.	Gives the patron the ability to renew books from the app, with a single swipe or click
> 5.	Alerts the patron to Holds that come available for pickup
> 6.	Gives the patron the ability to delete the hold with a single swipe or click and at the same time alerts the library via an email or something that the book is no longer needed.
> 7.	Gives the patron the ability to contact the library via the app. 
> 8.	Gives the patron he ability to review a resource and leave a star rating (if this is enabled in the catalogue).
> 9.	And the nice to have would be the ability to have something like amazon recommendations "Patrons who read this book also read.....)
> 
> I would imagine patrons would want the ability to download the app for free from the Google play or iTunes store.  
> 
> Is there any library interested in such a development and a developer with the skills to undertake the project?  Or possibly someone is already working on this.
> 
Hi Susan

Have you seen
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.net.catalyst.KiritakiKoha

This does a bunch of the above already, and could be extended to do the rest. It isn't under active development, but with some funding it could easily be :)

Chris
--
Chris Cormack
Catalyst IT Ltd.
+64 4 803 2238
PO Box 11-053, Manners St, Wellington 6142, New Zealand _______________________________________________
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