Dispute between Vendors Causes Library App Outages
A dispute between vendors has led to widespread outages of library apps across the country, including one in the Tampa Bay area.
Pinellas Public Library Cooperative app remains down
The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative app has been offline since late last year, leaving users unable to access functions such as catalog search and book reservations. According to a Q&A session on the library’s website, these features will not be available for the foreseeable future.
Limited alternatives for users
Despite the app’s shutdown, Cheryl Morales, the executive director of the Pinellas library system, stated that many of the app’s functionalities can still be accessed via the library’s mobile-friendly website. However, certain app-specific features may not be available through the website.
A broader problem affecting library systems
This outage is not unique to the Tampa Bay area. Libraries across the country, from Hawaii to Cleveland, have reported similar issues stemming from a dispute between a library catalog company and its third-party app developer.
Solus and SirsiDynix at the center of the dispute
The app developer, Solus, withdrew its services after discovering that the library system software company, SirsiDynix, was developing its own app. This dispute has left libraries and their patrons without access to essential app functions.
Efforts to resolve the situation
SirsiDynix’s chief marketing officer, Eric Keith, has confirmed that discussions are underway to find a resolution with Solus. However, neither company has provided further comments on the issue. In the interim, Pinellas library staff is working with SirsiDynix to develop and test a new app set to launch in March.
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Analyst comment
This news can be evaluated as negative. The widespread outages of library apps due to a dispute between vendors are causing disruptions and inconveniences for users across the country, including the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative in Tampa Bay. While some functionalities can still be accessed through the library’s website, certain app-specific features may not be available. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation, but it is unclear when the issue will be fully resolved. As an analyst, the market for library apps may experience a decline in user satisfaction and engagement until a resolution is reached and the new app set to launch in March proves to be effective.
