Library vendors assist libraries in reaching cardholder's where they are at, which is increasingly mobile. However, the mobile experience usually involves cardholders downloading multiple apps and logging in more than once. Through a website redesign, PLS learned it was losing brand recognition as a provider of digital reading content to outside vendors. PLS also learned, through a user study, that between 63 to 79 percent of cardholders utilized smart mobile devices. PLS worked with API available from four vendors to combine the physical and digital library experience through one app to enhance the user experience and maintain brand identity.

PLS worked with SirsiDynix, EnvisionWare, OverDrive and EBSCO Novelist/Flipster teams to combine their APIs into one intuitive interface. A visit to the mobile library, which previously involved at least two apps and several website visits, now takes place with the swipe of one app. PLS development team created a middleware which can handle multiple APIs combining diverse products, creating a rich end user experience. PLS has talked with other vendors about having their API opened up for inclusion into this app and has had interest from other libraries as to how they can utilize this app for their cardholders.

PLS debuted Pioneer Library System Connect app, for iOS and Android, December 2015. In June 2016, it reached over 5,000 installations and is reengaging lapsed cardholders. PLS has been recognized as a Journal Record Innovator of 2016 Honoree, an honor given to Oklahoma businesses which provide innovative products and services. PLS hopes to increase download of the app, expand functionality by incorporating additional vendors, and eventually develop a methodology for other libraries to utilize the product. Feedback from vendors indicates a desire to be part of this innovative approach to combine multi-platform experiences into One App to Rule Them All.