Apple Mac HQ

My need to go to the library has decreased over the years because of the Internet, though I still go there frequently. When I do go to the library, a freeware application by Harold Chu called LIbrary Books makes managing my account easy.

Library Books is a application that resides in the menu bar and provides quick, helpful knowledge without making me go to my library’s web site. After entering in login credentials, the menu bar icon changes color depending on if books are due or holds have come in. It also shows the number of books currently checked out. Libraries from around the world are compatible with Library Books.

Library Books can be set to automatically update every few hours. It also supports multiple library accounts and can go directly go to my account page on the library’s web site.  Library Books can also add due dates that are automatically synced into iCal.  Optional alarms serve as due date reminders.

There is one issue to be aware of for MobileMe subscribers. iPhone OS 3.1 syncs subscription calendars to the iPhone and iPod touch. The calendar will not sync any events through MobileMe. The Library Books’ subscribed calendar will show events on the iPhone or iPod touch when syncing through iTunes.

Currently on version 2.5, Library Books 3.0 promises to show Growl notifications when holds have arrived. The only Growl notifications currently in 2.5 are for due dates. The minimum OS requirements are 10.4, but I can verify it works with 10.5 and the beta is compatible with 10.6. There is also a plan to bring a version to the App Store for iPhone and iPod touch users.