LibScout is an iPhone application for reserving tables at Tisch Library at Tufts University. This application can be used to perform functions including searching for a table by floor and section, reserving a particular table, and setting preferences for the application (language and sound). Users view an animated, bird’s-eye view of a floor of Tisch Library to search for and reserve a table.
There are some similar existing systems to LibScout. The OpenTable iPhone application allows users to reserve tables at restaurants around the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This app does not, however, allow the user to select the exact table he would like to reserve.
There are some similar existing systems to LibScout. The OpenTable iPhone application allows users to reserve tables at restaurants around the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This app does not, however, allow the user to select the exact table he would like to reserve.
So, why is LibScout better than these other applications? First of all, there is no other app out there (that I have found through my research/experience) that allows a user to reserve a table at a library. Through personal experience, I feel that an application with this feature would be useful and in high demand, especially at a college or university. It is so often that I go to Tisch Library, spend 20 minutes wandering and searching for an unoccupied table, and then leave because none are available. It would be awesome to know this before making the walk to the library!
This application is for the iPhone. This makes it easy for those with iPhones (most students, nowadays) to search for and reserve tables without needing access to a computer.
Some high-level features of LibScout include:
- Search for an available table. The user can view a bird's-eye view of each floor of the library with available tables highlighted and occupied tables faded out. "Quiet" sections of the library are red in color, while "conversation" sections of the library are purple in color.
- Reserve a table. The user can tap an available table and be led to a "Time" screen to set a start and end time for his reservation. A library staff member will receive a notification for the reservation and mark the table as reserved during the time entered by the user.
- Set the preferences. The user can change the language of the application. The user can also turn the sound on and off.
Click here to watch a video clip of my LibScout low-fidelity paper prototype being used in a usability evaluation. The participant was able to quickly and effectively work with my prototype.
Thanks!
Marina
Marina
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