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Academic libraries have traditionally provided computers for students to access their collections and, more recently, facilitate all aspects of studying. Recent changes in technology, particularly the increased presence of mobile devices, calls into question how libraries can best provide technology support and how it might affect the use of other library services. A two-year study conducted at California State University San Marcos library analyzed student use of computers in the library, both the library's own desktop computers and laptops owned by students. The study found that, despite the increased ownership of mobile technology by students, they still clearly preferred to use desktop computers in the library. It also showed that students who used computers in the library were more likely to use other library services and physical collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=18&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=89086995&db=a9h Thompson, S. (2012). Student Use of Library Computers: Are Desktop Computers Still Relevant In Today's Libraries?. Information Technology & Libraries, 31(4), 20-33

"The 2009 "Horizon Report" called mobile technologies "an opportunity for higher education to reach its constituents in new and compelling ways." The report implied that academic libraries would find them to be the ideal tools for bringing reluctant researchers to the library, mainly for their convenience. It's not hard to see why--in 2008, mobile phones were in the hands of more than 4 billion users, a 61% penetration rate worldwide. By 2012, the mobile phone is expected to outsell the personal computer. The leaders in mobile communication are, not surprisingly, adults in the 18 to 29 age group, the traditional college-age student. Academic libraries are not blind to this--a 2009 "Library Journal" survey found that 65% of academic libraries either already offer or plan to offer mobile services. If one's library is in that 35% with no plans for mobile outreach keep reading--one will find ideas to make his/her library a true 21st-century information hub." [Abstract from ERIC Database.] Link to the full-text article in the ESC EbscoHost Education Source database: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=28&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=63993342&db=a9h Kosturski, K., & Skornia, F. (2011). Handheld Libraries 101: Using mobile technologies in the academic library. Computers in Libraries, 31(6), 11-13.

Hi Robert, the proliferation of mobile technologies and the need for all Internet using facitilties, including libraries, to make their content available and searchable is definitely here. My personal experience is that I keep toggling back and forth between my smartphone and my laptop. However, I notice that my children (now in their 20s) are using their phones for everything. So keeping abreast of the changes this requires, like keeping everything legible within the relatively small screen, expecting users to use the 'portrait' version more frequently than landscape, is something that all web designers have to adapt to. Thanks for this article. M

Studies have shown that internet filtering does not stop people from bypassing filters and if an experienced computer person can find ways around them. There are sites that allow for these bypasses such as Sites like Peacefire.org are dedicated to helping individuals get around filters. Another method of bypassing filters is through proxy servers, such as Psiphon and StupidCensorship. Some filtering sites, therefore, choose to filter proxy-avoidance sites, URL translators, and other workaround sites. This raises a new and wholly different intellectual freedom concern beyond the protection of children from sexually explicit material.

The article identifies common archival issues (i.e., listing and cataloging) associated with archiving digitally created information, due to rapidly changing technologies used to create digital information. This makes it challenging to appropriately list and catalog the moral impacts created by the rapidly emerging technologies. The article (n.d.) states, "ever morphing nature of information technology is changing our ability to even fully understand moral values as they change. Lorenzo Magnani claims that acquiring knowledge of how that change confounds our ability to reason morally '…has become a duty in our technological world'" (section 1.1). The article alerts to impending moral and ethical dilemmas created by smart phone apps that will be soon be capable of streaming biometric data (e.g., vital signs, physical activity logs, caloric intake, etc.) and linking it with GPS tracking to identify geo-locators tied to fluctuations in biometric data via phone applications. The advantage of such technology can lead to promotion of more healthy lifestyles. However, streaming such sensitive biometric information (data) leads to privacy and ethical concerns that are not easily resolved. Other moral, ethical and privacy issues are created surreptitiously when browsing websites on the Internet. "Browser software records all manner of data about our visits to various websites which can, for example, make webpages load faster next time you visit them. Even the websites themselves use various means to record information when your computer has accessed them and they may leave bits of information on your computer which the site can use the next time you visit. Some websites are able to detect which other sites you have visited or which pages on the website you spend the most time on. If someone were following you around a library noting down this kind of information you might find it uncomfortable or hostile, but online this kind of behavior takes place behin

Library patrons are adopting mobile devices for personal and other uses. The ubiquity of mobile devices will lead to changes in how and where learning and education happens. Libraries have wanted to become ubiquitous by making resources and services available anywhere, anytime. Reference librarians can use mobile devices and applications to include services in mobile learning environments. Challenges to libraries include uncertainty about which technologies to adopt in a rapidly changing technology landscape, the cost of technology adoption, staffing for 24-7, diversity of needs and preferences among library patrons, and the need to offer stable, consistent services. The combination of mobile librarians, mobile patrons, and mobile content provides an opportunity to move closer to the ideal of the ubiquitous library. [Abstract from EBSCOHost Education Source: Full-text article available in ESC library databases.] Link: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=26&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=59529451&db=a9h Barnhart, F. D., & Pierce, J. E. (2011). Becoming Mobile: Reference in the Ubiquitous Library. Journal Of Library Administration, 51(3), 279-290. doi:10.1080/01930826.2011.556942

Photo: Colleen Lanz Countryman/NCSU "Physics lab students use the smartphone gyroscope sensor to measure angular velocity at North Carolina State University. Cell phones have proliferated among high school and college students, and these pocket-size computers have become essential tools in physics classrooms. Sporting a range of sensors, smartphones offer educators and students a familiar device that can perform many of the same functions as expensive lab equipment." In understanding the learner aspect of technology this article speaks to the cost of technology in labs. Interestingly, the use of personal technology can help fill the gap when needed. This offers an opportunity for learners to look inside their own technology and understand the powerful tech they carry around with them.