23 Mobile Things # 3 - Utilities

I liked this thing.  Apps prescreened by librarians are a good thing.  I already had Wi-Fi Finder on my phone because I don't have a data plan, but it was not useful if I couldn't get online to find free wifi.  I didn't know about the database I could download for off-line access.  I downloaded it, and now this app is so much more useful!

I had QRReader on my phone because as we switch our periodicals to online only, we have put a sheet in a plastic magazine cover on our magazine display racks where the print would normally go with a QR code leading to the online version.  I need to test all the QR codes.  For this thing, I tried RedLaser.  I like it a bit better than QRReader because QRReader just automatically looked for a QR code when you started it.  I like that this one has an icon to start reading, so you could conceivably do something else first. 

We also plan to put QR codes with a link to our mobile catalog out on the ends of our stacks, but we have not yet had time for that.  I like the idea of a QR code library tour, too.  Or put a QR code on our study rooms with a link to an online reservation page.

23 Mobile Things #2 - Mobile Device Tips

I share an iPad with my 16 year old son and last summer, I bought an unlocked iPhone 5c.  I have no data plan, just a prepaid phone plan with wireless. 

I found lots of the tips interesting, but the reality is, I can't remember any of them when I need them.  Luckily for me, the user interface on the iPad and iPhone is fairly self-explanatory, but unless you use a feature frequently, you are unlikely to remember it when you need it.  I think the most exciting tip for me was the ability to delete email by swiping, but on my phone, the trash option isn't there, only the ability to archive.  I think that's because I have it connected to my gmail account.