Although there are many libraries with mobile web sites, and even though we have
provided examples of libraries with mobile web sites both with and without catalogs,
libraries with mobile catalogs are less common due to the added expense of either
implementing a vendor-supplied version of a mobile catalog or because of the
technological expertise needed to program a non-vendor catalog solution. Both
Innovative Interfaces, Inc (III) and OCLC have developed a mobile search application
that can be used by libraries wanting to provide a mobile catalog experience. III's
catalog application is the AirPAC, which is a module designed for wireless mobile
devices. The AirPAC module allows users to browse the library catalog, check due
dates, request materials, and view their patron records with their mobile devices. An
increasing number of libraries, both public and academic, are using the AirPAC mobile
search module. Several examples of these libraries include the University of San Diego
in California, the Multnomah County Public Library in Oregon, Auckland City
Libraries in New Zealand, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Pao Yue-Kong
Library, and the University of Sydney Library in Australia. In addition, OCLC is
currently offering a mobile search application pilot, WorldCat Mobile, (www.worldcat.
org/mobile/) and an iPhone search app (www.ocic.org/news/announcements/
announcement353.htm)