The Young Adult Library Project, Part III: LibraryThing App & TinyCat

Happy (almost) summer! After an unanticipated hiatus, I'm back to blogging, and I hope to keep it up on a semi-regular basis this summer and into the new academic year. One of the things that has spurred me to resume blogging are some new features, the LibraryThing App and TinyCat, that LibraryThing (which I have blogged about several times before) has unveiled over the past few months. These features add a great deal of functionality to what was already a great resource, particularly when it comes to maintaining a small library.

The first feature is the long-awaited LibraryThing iPhone App, which was released in October of 2015. According to the initial news post, the app does the following:

What it does. This is our first version, so we’ve limited it to doing the most basic functions you’ll need for cataloging on the go:

• Browse and search your library.
• Add books by scanning barcodes. Scanning to add is VERY FAST!
• Add books by searching.
• Browse and upload covers, using the iPhone camera.
• Do minor editing, such as changing collections and ratings. Major editing sends you to LibraryThing.

It is a very handy way of checking your library on the go, but the main attraction is probably the scanning feature, which allows you to add books to your library very easily. While I didn't think I would use this that often because I have a CueCat, the app has been invaluable. Besides letting me easily add books without having to bring a stack to my computer and CueCat, it also easily allows the student assistants in my department to add books to my library. One of the assistants, who has used both the CueCat and the app, declared the app the winner for ease of use.

The one caveat I will add is that the app isn't the best way of adding tags to books. It is possible, but it is much easier to add tags using the computer interface. However, since I don't have the student assistants tag the books, the app works well for having them add books to my library, and I can always log into my account to add tags later.

The second feature is TinyCat, which allows small libraries (such as those found in classrooms, offices, and churches) to have a functional circulation system. Beyond having a clean design and a mostly intuitive interface for the administrators and users, I also appreciate the ability to customize different elements of the experience, such as whether or not patrons can check out books on their own. While I haven't had a chance to fully test all of the features, I am hoping to do more with it in the next academic year.

Another great feature of TinyCat is the pricing system, which seems very fair. Personal accounts are free, while there is an affordable monthly charge for small libraries. Given the different services that TinyCat includes, I'm happy to pay the fees associated with using it.

Have you tried either the LibraryThing app or TinyCat? If so, what did you think? Please feel free to add your ideas, thoughts, and questions in the comment section!