DUBLIN, Ohio, 14 January 2021—OCLC's CapiraMobile and CapiraCurbside—mobile library services that offer flexibility, choice, and convenience for libraries and their users—have been recognized with LibraryWorks' 2021 Modern Library Awards.

CapiraMobile, a platinum Modern Library Award (MLA) winner for the second consecutive year, makes it possible for users to interact with their library through their mobile phones, making collections, events, and programs available anywhere, anytime.

CapiraCurbside, which received a silver MLA, makes it easy for libraries to connect users with physical library materials without the need to enter the building. This solution seamlessly integrates with library systems as well as Capira's mobile apps and allows libraries to communicate with users about when materials are ready and how to pick them up.

"These mobile services extend the reach of libraries to offer a variety of options as they seek to interact in new and different ways during difficult and changing times," said Bart Murphy, OCLC's Chief Technology and Information Officer. "Like many industries, libraries are developing new processes as they adapt to circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these changes will continue well beyond when libraries reopen their buildings. Capira mobile solutions offer flexibility to help libraries discover new and better ways to serve their communities—now and in the future."

These mobile services were envisioned long before the pandemic resulted in library closings, and they continue to be enhanced as the needs of libraries and their users evolve.

"Capira services focus on making library services easy and convenient to use through mobile technologies," Murphy continued. "What was considered convenient a year ago has become essential today to help find the best ways to reach and engage with library users. We're grateful to our customers and to LibraryWorks for this recognition and award."

The Modern Library Awards were created to recognize the top products and services in the library industry in a truly unbiased format. Products and services were submitted in the fall of 2020. Submissions were batched into small groups and sent to the LibraryWorks database of more than 80,000 librarians at public, K-12, academic, and special libraries. Only customers with experience with these products/services in their facilities were permitted to judge, resulting in an unbiased score. Each judge scored the product on a numeric basis from 1-10 on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer service, etc.