Product News

Cool New Android App Streamlines Shelf Reading

Miami University’s Augmented Reality Research Group, led by William “Bo” Brinkman, has come up with a creative solution to make shelf reading and inventory less of a burden. Tentatively called ShelvAR, the Android app uses special tags that are attached to the books’ spines. Each tag carries the call number of the book. A tablet computer or smartphone uses the app to scan the shelf, and a digital graphic indicates the correct placement of the misshelved books. Brinkman plans to design an iPhone version of ShelvAR as well.

ShelvAR is still being tested on Miami University’s library system. If that goes well, a much bigger trial is planned. Miami University and the state of Ohio have first rights on any patent on the app. ShelvAR got some attention at the recent Association of College and Research Libraries annual meeting, and Brinkman has posted a YouTube demo video at the URL above. Stay tuned!