New York Public Library Launches iPad App

"Now, the New York Public Library has created a new iPad app that bring the library’s research collections into “the palms of the public’s hand,” as library officials put it in a statement released Tuesday. “Biblion: The Boundless Library” is the name for a series of apps available on Apple’s tablet computer that highlight different elements in the library’s collection. It was developed by the library and the design firm Potion.

The first edition showcases the library’s 1939-1940 New York World’s fair holdings, which are among the most consulted by researchers. Users will be able to turn over, zoom in and roam through hundreds of items. At the end of this week, the library is putting out an app that lets the public play “Find that Future,” from game designer Jane McGonigal, author of “Reality is Broken.”This summer, look for an app that lets the public reserve books. The new app is available for free at Apple’s iTunes store. A Web version is to be available soon at nypl.org."

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/new-york-public-library-launches-ipad-app/