InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce the launch of the IVP Pocket Reference app, IVP's first mobile technology endeavor. Based on the popular and comprehensive IVP Pocket Reference Series, the new app is now available for readers on the go using iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones and tablets.

Premiering at this year's annual meetings for the Evangelical Theological Society, the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, users will have the chance to try out the app at IVP's booth before actually purchasing it for $1.99 through iTunes, Google Play and Android Market stores. The iconic paperback Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, an IVP core reference text that retails in paperback at $8.00, will come preloaded into the app when purchased. Providing this first volume as the beginning of an expandable reference library will give readers and users the chance to make the already portable text even more affordable and useful.

Launching a mobile app has been a longstanding goal for IVP. "We've been brainstorming ways to branch into mobile technology that would engage IVP's loyal customer base," said Sally Craft, director of digital publishing. "This idea kept rising to the top of our wish list as a resource that would both be unique in the app marketplace and extend the usefulness of the Pocket Reference Series content for its many readers."

This easy-to-use app provides a range of functionality to allow the users complete engagement with the original text. Among its many capabilities, the Pocket Reference app allows readers to browse and search terms in a variety of ways, quickly share definitions and notes via Facebook, Twitter and email, and attach notes to any entry. Readers can even add their own terms and definitions to personally customize the app.

"Starting with the Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms—one of the most popular of the print publications in the Pocket Reference Series—we asked ourselves, 'How can we take this great little resource and make it an even greater mobile reference app?' Well, we've done that, and more," said Brannon Ellis, IVP associate editor for Academic and Reference. "The app is really useful now, and as it develops and matures I feel it'll only get more impressive."

The IVP Pocket Reference app is specifically designed for IVP Academic's core audience: students, pastors, scholars and leaders, as an aid to formal or informal study of apologetics, biblical languages, church history, contemporary religions, ethics, theology and philosophy. "We’re quite proud of this initiative at IVP," said Ellis. "We're all looking forward to serving and engaging our audience through the Pocket Reference app."

Reflecting their commitment to digital and mobile development through rich social interaction, IVP also plans to release future volumes in the IVP Pocket Reference Series over the next year. Forthcoming titles include the Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion and the Pocket Dictionary of Ethics.

Users can follow @ivppocketref on Twitter for the latest news, updates and customer service.