Presenters: John Barneson, Ryan Bean, Lara Friedman-Shedlov, Rod Rasmussen, Marlo Welshons
ResourcesHere is a list (incomplete and under development) of recommended mobile sites and cool apps that University of Minnesota Libraries staff can explore for personal or professional use.
Mobile SitesUse the browser on any mobile device to access these sites.
University of Minnesota LibrariesThe Libraries' own mobile site lets on-the-go users:
- Search for books, videos, maps, and music, and more using the library catalog.
- Find magazine and journal articles using library databases.
- E-mail citations of the resources you find.
- Browse for article databases that have mobile interfaces.
- Check library building and collection hours.
- Contact librarians by e-mail or phone.
- Look up when your checked out items are due.
Install a button on your web browser and with one click you can save any web page or online article you want to read later. Then using the mobile-friendly Instapaper web site, you can easily access all the pages you've saved via your mobile device. You can also transfer files to read on Kindle and ebook readers that support the ePub format. Instapaper is also available as an iPhone app (see below).
WapediaCrazy fast wiki encyclopedia; works well in 2g
WorldCatUses the geo-location feature to identify which libraries in your vicinity hold the materials you're searching for.
AppsAccessMyLibraryCollege
Using your college e-mail address, AccessMyLibraryCollege gives you unlimited, 24/7 access to your college library's Gale online resources.
Free; compatible with Android | iPhone | iTouch | iPad
Barcode ScannerSimilar to RedLaser (see below) but also tied to Google Books so you can purchase the book, find it in a library, or search the contents of the book.
Free; compatible with Android
Chrome to Phonecode.google.com/p/chrometophone/
A chrome extension that allows you to send webpages and google maps to your phone from your browser.
Free; compatible with Android
Documents to Gowww.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/android/
Allows you to view (free) and edit (paid) office and google docs. Also can be linked to a google account so that all of your google docs are assessable via the cloud.
Free/$14.99; compatible with Android
EvernoteCapture, organize, find.
Free; compatible with Android | iPhone | iTouch | iPad
FotopediaCollaborative photo encyclopedia.
Free; compatible with iPhone | iPad
Google AppsOverview of apps for both iPhone and Android phones. More Google Mobile applications are available for phones that run the Android operating system; many Android-powered phones come with Google applications pre-installed.
Free; compatible with Android | iPhone
GoodReaderwww.goodreader.net/goodreader.html
PDF reader with advanced reading, annotating, markup and highlighting capabilities, excellent file manager, TXT file reader and editor, audio/video player, Safari-like viewer for MS Office and iWorks files.
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch | iPad
iBooksitunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8
Easy to use, easy to download books, etc., and it now reads pdf files (better on the iPad).
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch | iPad
iCardSortBrainstorming tool that helps you to visually organize ideas quickly and easily.
Free; compatible with iPad
iNet Proitunes.apple.com/us/app/inet-pro-network-scanner/id305242949?mt=8
Network utility that provides information about the network you are connected to. Used primarily for troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
$4.99; compatible with iPhone | iPad | iTouch
InstapaperInstall a button on your web browser and with one click you can save any web page or online article you want to read later. Then using the app on your phone, you can easily access all the pages you've saved. You can also transfer files to read on Kindle and ebook readers that support the ePub format. (See also above under mobile web sites)
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch | iPad
Kindle Reading AppsRead Kindle books on any mobile device, not just a Kindle!
Free; compatible with Android | iPhone | iTouch | iPad
NewsRobAn RSS viewer linked to your google account, pulls your RSS feeds and syncs them with the cloud.
Free; compatible with Android
Notes PlusAllows mixing handwriting and typed text easily for note taking.
$4.99; compatible with iPad
RedLaserThis app uses your iPhone's camera to scan a barcode or QR code and give you results from Google, theFind, eBay, and also local libraries via WorldCat. You can use it to comparison shop or find a book in your local library. You can also scan barcodes on food and get allergen information.
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch
RDP (Remote Desktop)www.mochasoft.dk/iphone_rdp.htm (Apple devices)
www.mochasoft.dk/rd.htm (Windows Mobile version)
ww.mochasoft.dk/rdp.htm (Palm)
RDP's remote desktop connection allows users to log in their Windows computer or server and control it as though they are sitting there. Works best on the iPad, as smart phone screens are a bit small to be useful.
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch | iPad | Windows Mobile | Palm
Scanyitunes.apple.com/us/app/scany-networks-ports-scanner/id328077901?mt=8
Another network utility used for gathering information about the network, troubleshooting connectivity, etc.
$3.99; compatible with iPhone | iTouch | iPad
StanzaAnother good reading app. The "night view" option is a nice feature that allows users to easily dim the screen, make reading in the dark easier on the eyes.
Free; compatible with iPhone | iTouch
WolframAlphaproducts.wolframalpha.com/android/ (Android version)
products.wolframalpha.com/iphone/ (iPhone version)
products.wolframalpha.com/ipad/ (iPad version)
A computational knowledge engine.
Free; compatible with Android | iPhone | iPad
VNCwww.mochasoft.dk/products.htm(See various links to info on this app based on device type)
Similar to RDP above, but a different kind of connection in that allows connecting to a computer that is in use without disconnecting the current user. You can see what they're doing and take control to help them as needed. Works best on the iPad, as smart phone screens are a bit small to be useful.
Free; compatible with Android | Blackberry | iPhone | iTouch | iPad | Palm | Windows Mobile
WorldCat MobileAn app version of WorldCat, powered by Boopsie.
Free; compatible with all web-enabled phones.
YPMobilewww.yellowpages.com/products/ypmobile
Cool app for finding restaurants, stores, etc., that are near you. Also shows events that are going on in the vicinity.
Free; App versions for Android | Blackberry | iPhone | iPad | iTouch | Palm;
compatible with all web-enabled phones via m.yp.com .
