Global library cooperative Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), US, has announced that library listings from WorldCat have been added to pic2shop iPhone application. iPhone users can now download the free pic2shop application to scan book barcodes and find local libraries who have them through WorldCat.
The pic2shop mobile application is designed for consumers who like to comparison shop. Users scan a book barcode with their iPhone, and can compare costs to get the book at various retailers or now a local library. The application uses the WorldCat Search API and WorldCat Registry APIs to deliver results for libraries nearby who hold the item in WorldCat, one of the world’s largest library catalogues. Location and mapping information is also available.
Developed by Vision Smarts, a technology company based in Belgium, pic2shop was the first iPhone application that could read UPCs and EANs. It broadens the availability for book barcode-scanning functionality, as it offers a free download and works on all available iPhones - even first generation models. In addition, pic2shop works in all countries, although not all users may have nearby libraries with up-to-date holdings in WorldCat. Vision Smarts is also developing pic2shop applications for additional platforms beyond the iPhone.
The pic2shop iPhone application is one of several mobile applications designed for users to access library information from WorldCat. In addition to applications such as RedLaser for iPhone and Compare Everywhere for Android, the WorldCat Mobile pilot application is available for download on all Web-enabled phones in the UK, US, Netherlands, Germany, France and Canada at www.worldcat.org/mobile.
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