OCLC-Supported iPhone App Helps Users Find Books in Local Libraries

RedLaser, a recently launched iPhone app supported by OCLC’s WorldCat database, helps users find local libraries that carry a given book within their collections.  The app, which is currently among the 25 top paid downloads in the App Store, turns the iPhone camera into a barcode scanner.  Then RedLaser can scan book barcodes and return a list of local libraries, based on the user’s geolocation, that have that book within their collections.  The app provides library holdings, location, contact information and map. 

OCLC makes WorldCat data available to anyone interested in creating noncommercial mash-ups or mobile applications that rely on library data.  Commercial apps, such as RedLaser, use WoldCat through a partnership agreement with OCLC. 

“OCLC continues to explore new and different ways to provide library data where users need it,” says Mike Teets, vice president, OCLC Enterprise Architecture.  “Mobile devices are fast becoming the medium of choice for access to information for many people.”   
For additional details, see the release from OCLC.