Library@SG [Giveaway]

The starting point of many apps developed for the iPhone comes from personal encounters with problems in life, be it something as simple as being reminded of due dates of books from the library. That’s where Library@SG comes in.

Developed by “Coast Jogger”:http://sites.google.com/site/coastjogger/librarysg, the Library@SG app (“iTunes Link”:http://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/library-sg/id360712183?mt=8) released a few weeks back, offers an easy way to access your personal account on the “National Library Board e-portal”:http://m.nlb.gov.sg/.

According to “Coast Jogger”,

bq.. While the library’s web portal allows one to check the due dates of one’s books and do free renewals, I have always find it inconvenient to enter my ID, name, and birth date every single time I log in. This is especially painful when you are managing the multiple library accounts of your family members as well. As such I have often procrastinated using the portal and chanced late fines.

And this is how the opportunity to solve one of life’s little inconveniences presented itself. To avoid more late fines, I have created an app that will automatically manage the logging in of my library account. Whenever I want to quickly check my books due date and to easily renew them for free, I just click on my app.

p. The app allows you to input login details of multiple accounts so that you can quickly check their NLB account details with just a quick swipe of the fingers. The interface is fairly basic with clear instructions on how to input your details and once you login, the app just shows the web view of the “NLB mobile e-portal”:http://m.nlb.gov.sg/. Once login, you can check on the status of books, make renewal of books you had borrowed and also surf through the NLB e-portal.

That I think is the problem with this app. At a cost of US$1.99, you are basically paying for an automated login system to the NLB e-portal which you can access free of charge. The few apps that logins to “Xbox Live”:http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/search?media=software&restrict=true&submit=media&term=xbox+live comes to mind where Microsoft demanded that those apps be provided free of charge if they want to continue providing that service. However, I doubt NLB will do that or buy this app over to make it free for all. Maybe Coast Jogger might consider lowering the price just to attract more buyers.

That said, we are thankful for the support from Coast Jogger who generously provided us some promo code to give away to readers here and on the “Apple SG group”:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2341707033 on Facebook.

To get your hand on the promo code, simply let us know when did you last step into the Library and what you borrowed – four readers will be chosen from here and Facebook who will receive the promo code. The giveaway ends on 27 March 2010.

Do note that this code only works for those who has a US iTunes account as the redemption feature is not available for the SG Store yet.