MARINet

The app takes forever to load on startup. Also takes forever to switch between tabs. Some nice functionality otherwise. Easy to look up and reserve titles. The only reason I keep it on my phone is that it has the barcode for my library card.

Essentially, this app is just a dumbed-down / limited version of the actual website. These days, most everyone has a smartphone. To that end, I can either use this app or open up the Safari or Chrome app and peruse through MARINet instead. The most obvious, immediate, and frustrating difference is that the app does not have nearly the same capability nor full functionality as the website. For example, if I want to put an item on hold, the app will frequently tell me that it is unable to process such a request. The website however will NEVER issue such a response. WHY would I use an app with such limited functionality when it is just as easy—if not EASIER—to open up Safari/Chrome and just get the job done on the actual website? Why would I waste my time using an app that stonewalls my requests? Save your time folks. Delete the app. Give it one star until it’s upgraded. Bookmark the website on your app browser instead. The website is far easier and far more capable than this laughable “lite” version of an app.

I didn't expect that our little local library could put out such an impressive app. (This app is just for Marin county, CA.) Say you are standing at the bookstore and your kid is demanding a $40 hardcover book you know will only be read once. Just open this app, scan the barcode, tap a button, and the book arrives at your library in a couple of days. It's instant gratification like online bookstores, but for free!! You get a dashboard to manage book renewals, books that are ready for pickup, etc. My favorite feature: if you've searched for a book, you can tap a button to see all the libraries in Marin that have a copy "in stock"—and it's really fast. Tiny quibble: like the website, it's a tad slow when renewing 20 books, but it beats driving to the library for sure!