Public libraries are critical resources in the communities they serve.
They play an important role in providing a number of critical services, and are instrumental in helping bridge the "Digital Divide." For many people public libraries provide the only convenient, reliable source of Internet access available. Being able to quickly and easily find a library that is close by is of vital importance to those that depend on Internet access for government services, job training and education.
Find My Library is an open source software project with the goal of making it easier for patrons - particularly those with limited access to the Internet from home - to locate a public library in their community. The project has 2 components:
- A custom Drupal module for creating and managing a "Library Locations" content type.
- A telephone and text messaging application that provides easy access to library locations entered into the Drupal Content Management System.
Find My Library makes it simple and convenient for anyone to locate a library in their neighborhood. The application can be used with any telephone. From traditional land line telephones to sophisticated mobile phones such as the G1 Phone, iPhone and Droid. If it can make a phone call, you can use it to find a library near you.
Find My Library is an entrant in the New York City Big Apps competition. It currently makes use of public library information for the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens available from the New York City Data Mine.
Additional library locations in New York City (and in other municipalities) will be added to Find My Library as it is made available.
This project is currently in a beta phase, so access to the application may be limited. Please see the contact page if you are interested in obtaining detailed information on this project.
