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Axiell develops world's first mobile application for dual access to library information via iPhone and Android

Press Release: Axiell [March 3, 2010]

Mobile phones and smartphones are now a popular way to access the Internet, making it essential for libraries to provide mobile access to the library catalogue and other library-related activities. Technology and business solutions specialist for UK public libraries and archives, Axiell, is developing new software which will allow library patrons to visit libraries online via their iPhone or Android-based device.

Axiell conceived the application in conjunction with BridgeIT, a Danish mobile software development specialist. BridgeIT has particular expertise in the field of mobile solutions, with emphasis on development for several mobile platforms simultaneously.

In the library sector patrons will be able to search the library’s catalogue, receive updates on the items they borrowed and return dates, and to check whether they have any reservations or fines. The new technology interacts seamlessly with Axiell Arena, the 24-hour virtual library portal that keeps track of patrons’ interests.

The UK market will have access to the application in the second quarter of this year.

Jim Burton, managing director of Axiell UK says, "We are very pleased to be able to announce our world-leading application which provides both iPhone and Android access to library information and interactive functions. This makes Axiell the first supplier in the world to offer a mobile library solution for both smartphone types. Patrons will be able to use Axiell Arena via our mobile application to open the door to the virtual library, regardless of time and place. This places libraries at the cutting edge of technological development, enables them to offer a raft of new services and creates a platform for reaching new patrons."

Denmark’s Gladsaxe Libraries has already signed up to the new technology.

Development manager at Gladsaxe Libraries, Esben Fjord, adds, "Libraries have been discussing the potential for incorporating mobile technologies into the library’s virtual offers for many years now. The new and advanced smartphones, such as the iPhone, set the scene for completely new and exciting approaches and ways of using the libraries' data. We in Gladsaxe are really pleased to be part of this development which brings a completely new and mobile communication platform into play at the library."

A new survey by international consulting company Gartner shows that, by 2013, the mobile telephone will be our preferred method of connection to the Internet.

O2 alone had five million smartphone users in the UK, including two million iPhone owners, in 2009 when the company’s client base grew 19 per cent. (The Times, 27 February 2010, Nic Fildes. Britain’s biggest just got bigger because everybody wants a smarter mobile phone.)

Axiell UK

Axiell UK provides library software solutions to one third of local authorities in the UK, while over 350 customers use Calm, the system of choice for Archives, Museums and Records Offices. The company is a leading business solutions supplier to libraries, archives, museums and records centres.

Axiell UK offers its customers both software and hardware and a full range of implementation, facilities management and integration services, and the company continues to be a pioneer in software development for libraries.

Axiell is a member of Axiell Library Group AB. http://www.axiell.co.uk/

Axiell Library Group AB

Axiell Library Group is the world’s fifth largest company in the sector, supplying IT systems and services dedicated solely to libraries and archives as a target group and with its focus on library development.

Axiell develops technically advanced and innovative solutions for libraries and archives in close cooperation with its customers. More than 1000 library organisations with thousands of branches in the Nordic countries and in the UK use Axiell’s library management systems and Axiell Arena, the tool for the virtual library. The system for archives and museums, CALM, is used by over 350 archives and museums in Europe.

Axiell Library Group is a group company with five subsidiaries in Sweden, Denmark and Finland as well as the UK. www.axiell.com

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Publication Year:2010
Type of Material:Press Release
Language English
Issue:March 3, 2010
Publisher:Axiell
Company: Axiell
Record Number:14593
Last Update:2024-11-29 08:45:16
Date Created:2010-03-03 07:09:27
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