Pocket catalogue: a mobile accessible OPAC

Nowadays almost everybody has a mobile phone. However, these phones are not only used for phoning, but also offer other possibilities, for example showing WAP or WEB pages, and even a library catalogue. Although being far more intelligent than their predecessors, these devices have their limitations, such as the small size and the numeric only keyboard. Therefore any system made accessible by mobile devices should be simple and functional, providing essential information only. The article introduces an experimental pocket OPAC system. The first part of the article outlines the steps of planning and the structure of the system. The second part describes the system in working. Finally the article gives a summary of the experiences of developing the system and an outlook for possible applications.