Mobile Devices And The Library

Presents advice for incorporating the use of mobile devices in libraries.

Mobile devices are the 'it' technology, and everyone wants to know how to apply them to their environments. This book brings together the best examples and insights for implementing mobile technology in libraries. Chapters cover a wide variety of the most important tools and procedures from developing applications to marketing and augmented reality. Readers of this volume will get complete and timely knowledge of library applications for handheld devices. The Handheld Librarian conferences have been a centrepiece of learning about how to apply mobile technologies to library services and collections as well as a forum for sharing examples and lessons learned. The conferences have brought our profession forward into the trend and kept us up to date with ongoing advances. This volume brings together the best from that rich story and presents librarians with the basic information they need to successfully make the case for and implement programs leveraging mobile devices in their libraries. Authors of the diverse practical and well researched pieces originate in all types of libraries and segments of the profession. This wide representation ensures that front line librarians, library administrators, systems staff, even library professors will find this volume perfectly geared for their needs. This book was published as a special issue of The Reference Librarian.

As more users expect to use their mobile devices, librarians will want and need to develop the necessary skills to reach this growing user base. Mobile Devices: A Practical Guide for Librarians will aid libraries and librarians as they go through the process of planning, developing, implementing, marketing, and evaluating mobile services. Based on research and experience using and developing for mobile devices, this guides includes information and ideas regarding: Why mobile technologies are important for libraries Developing mobile websites and applications for specific mobile platforms such as iOS and Android using existing web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript Using mobile devices for reference, library instruction, and shelf reading Marketing strategies to make users aware of mobile services Evaluating mobile services A must-read for librarians interested in mobile technologies and services, this guide with provide librarians with practical information and examples to develop and offer mobile services in their libraries.

The 100+ page study looks closely at the measures taken by academic, public, and special libraries to assure that mobile devices–iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Kindles and many others–can access the library website easily and fluently. The report looks at the development of new versions of websites specifically designed for mobile access, at use of various paid and open source services and product for mobile device access, and at general library policies designed to ease the experience of mobile device users. The report presents highly detailed data on the extent of library website traffic accounted for by mobile devices, the impact on library resource use of the deployment of mobile friendly information products from vendors, and much more. More than 60 libraries contributed comprehensive data and insights to the report, and data is broken out by size and type of library and other useful criteria

This is an essential practical guide for all information professionals who want to get to grips with or improve their use of mobile services. Packed with easy to implement ideas, practical examples and international case studies, this provides you with the ultimate toolkit, exploring ideas as simple as renewals and reminders to the more complex such as access to e-books and virtual worlds. Jargon-free coverage of the background and context to mobile delivery will enable you to fully understand the challenges and embrace the opportunities, getting to grips with critical issues such as what sort of services users really want. Key topics covered include: • context including market penetration, range and functionality of devices • texting • apps vs. mobile websites • mobile information literacy vs. other information literacies • mobiles in teaching • linking the physical and virtual worlds via mobile devices • E-books for mobiles • the future of mobile delivery. Readership: This is an essential practical guide for all information professionals who want to get to grips with or improve their use of mobile services. It would also be invaluable for museum staff facing the same challenges. Library and information students and academics will find it a useful introduction to the topic.

If you are wondering what mobile technology adoption means for your library or how to get started, Mobile Technologies for Every Library will answer your questions! Wondering what the opportunities and pitfalls are of mobile technology use in libraries? This book will answer these questions. Thinking of starting a mobile program in your library? Want to improve on existing services or add new ones? This book will answer your questions about platforms, options, security, best practices and more. The book will preview many useful apps for libraries. Web links and resources are also included. Chapter coverage includes history and existing types of mobile technologies, mobile devices and supporting technology, ways to provide mobile technology for your users, a survey of currently available apps, ways to use mobile technology for library work, best practices, and future directions. Each chapter is organized by subtopics with tips and examples from real library programs to help you get started.

Library Technology Reports, volume 51, no.7, "Mobile Devices: Service with Intention," edited by Rebecca K. Miller, Heather Moorefield-Lang, and Carolyn Meier, gathers five case studies that discuss the potential of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices alongside real-world constraints. From a range of institutional settings, the case studies address three general areas of library work: (1) circulation and lending; (2) teaching and learning; (3) access and design. Assessment is a common theme in the case studies.

"This book examines the development and transforming effects of information and communication technology on the use of interactive digital devices in libraries. It also explores how digital devices can be used for inclusivity and engagement in libraries"--