Group items tagged

"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

The purpose of this paper is to explore the students' opinion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, regarding the use and success of mobile technology in the library environment for providing better services by library and their expectations from the library through mobile technology. Design/methodology/approach - A survey was conducted through a well-structured and precise questionnaire circulated personally among 200 students studying in Jawaharlal Nehru University for the academic session 2012-2013. Findings - The majority of students are in favor of using mobile technology for better services, and it is expected by the students that services should be provided to them by libraries through mobile technology. Furthermore, the study also explores the students' opinion on improved services using mobile technology. Research limitations/implications - The geographical area of study was confined to the students of the JNU, New Delhi, purely regarding their opinion on use and success of mobile technology by the library. The research results are limited to this environment only. Originality/value - The paper highlights the students' opinion of JNU regarding the use of mobile technology by the library for better services, and further it also explores the expectations of students from the library through this technology. [Abstract from ProQuest Research Library Database (at ESC)] Link: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/docview/1633960190/D4F687B968B342A3PQ/1?accountid=8067 Kumar, A. (2014). Students opinion about the success of mobile technology in libraries. New Library World, 115(9), 471. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1633960190?accountid=8067

Purpose - Society may be on the verge of a revolutionary phase of mobile device use in higher education generally and in libraries in particular. This paper seeks to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach - Through an examination of trends and technological developments in the area of mobile devices and a review of the potential of mobile devices, the paper analyzes the potential of mobile devices in academic libraries. Findings - Most college students own cell phones and laptops and the capabilities of these and other devices are expanding. Research limitations/implications - Libraries have the opportunity to extend new types of services to users of mobile devices and to develop, license, or otherwise make available scholarly content that is configured for mobile devices. Ideally, libraries will become part of an institutional planning process for the development of services for mobile devices. Practical implications - The more pervasive use by students of smartphones, the uptake of e-book readers, and the increasing use of mobile devices in some areas of the curriculum all have implications for libraries. Social implications - Some writers in this area believe that the increased capabilities of mobile devices could lead to new forms of engagement with student learning; this possibility can be embraced by academic libraries that seek to be strong partners in the teaching and learning process of their institution. Originality/value - The paper synthesizes developments and provides suggestions for the future. [Abstract from ESC ProQuest Research Library database] Link: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/docview/200472713/abstract/66E4668274504CDCPQ/1?accountid=8067 Lippincott, J. K. (2010). A mobile future for academic libraries. Reference Services Review, 38(2), 205-213. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00907321011044981

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a survey in order to better understand the nature of handheld mobile computing use by academic library users and to determine whether there is a significant demand for using the library services with these small screen devices. Design/methodology/approach - A survey is created to measure whether people want to access an OPAC with a small screen. Additionally, through open-ended questions, the survey attempts to gain a broader understanding of handheld mobile computing's impact on, and implications for, the services provided by academic libraries. Findings - A total of 58.4 percent of respondents who own a web-enabled handheld device indicate that they would use small screen devices, such as PDAs or web-enabled cell phones to search a library OPAC. Originality/value - The increasing prevalence of handheld mobile computing devices such as PDAs and web-enabled cell phones warrants investigation as to its impact on libraries. This study examines an academic library user population and the potential demand for using the library's catalog with handheld mobile computing devices [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT] [Abstract from ProQuest Research Library Database (at ESC)] Link: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/docview/200628509/B3C6B49E0E3E48BAPQ/1?accountid=8067 Cummings, J., Merrill, A., & Borrelli, S. (2010). The use of handheld mobile devices: Their impact and implications for library services. Library Hi Tech, 28(1), 22-40. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/07378831011026670

- The purpose of this paper is to get an insight in users' opinion on library resources/services on small screen mobile devices. Objectives were to establish which types of small screen mobile devices are used and to find out is there a tendency for using academic and educational contents on such devices. Furthermore, aim was to identify whether the users need mobile friendly library web site and services at all. Also, what library resources/services and to what extent respondents consider as the important ones for mobile friendly customization. Finally the results would serve as an orientation in building mobile friendly library web site and services. The author believed that the users were still unaware of the possibility of accessing library web sites and services through mobile devices in general; therefore, this survey also had a role of raising awareness and stimulating their interest. - The survey was focussed on small screen mobile devices with screen size up to seven inches (17.1 cm). Data collection was performed through a questionnaire containing ten questions. The authors received 295 questionnaires, out of which 285 were taken into account. - The survey found that the largest number of respondents own smartphone/tablet/phablet. The results show that small screen devices are, to some extent, used for educational, academic and informational purposes (reading of e-books and e-journals, education, data checking, internet searching and searching of handy information), but non-academic purposes still predominate (texting, reading e-mails, phone calls, taking pictures). Overall 64 percent of the respondents has expressed need for small screen mobile devices customized library resources/services, but there are 30 percent of undecided respondents. Pazur, I. (2014). Attitude of the rudjer boskovic institute's scientists to the small screen mobile devices library services. Library Hi Tech, 32(4), 628-644.

As mobile technologies continue to evolve, libraries seek sustainable ways to keep up with these changes and to best serve our users. Previous library mobile usability research has examined tasks users predict they might be likely to perform, but little is known about what users actually do on a mobile-optimized library site. This research used a combination of survey method and web analytics to examine what tasks users actually carry out on a library mobile site. The results indicate that users perform an array of passive and active tasks and do not want content choices to be limited on mobile devices. Responsive design is described as a long-term solution for addressing both designers' and users' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR][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=24&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=93378674&db=a9h Gascho Rempel, H., & Bridges, L. l. (2013). That Was Then, This Is Now: Replacing the Mobile-Optimized Site with Responsive Design. Information Technology & Libraries, 32(4), 8-24.

In August 2009, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries launched a mobile web site and catalog designed for use on smartphones. Library users can search for books and view library hours, location branches, and other basic information about the University of North Carolina libraries on their iPhone, Android phone, or other smartphone. An outline of the development process is given in eight major steps that are designed to be replicated by other libraries. Lessons learned during development are also shared, along with recommendations of devices to develop for and tools to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=11&sid=32d26eef-5aab-4af2-ad1a-c9624344797d%40sessionmgr115&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=57138008&db=a9h Haefele, C. (2011). One Block at a Time: Building a Mobile Site Step by Step. Reference Librarian, 52(1/2), 117-127. doi:10.1080/02763877.2011.528269

"How will your library serve mobile device users? By building apps from scratch? By offering entirely separate content? Or by modifying your site for mobile devices? This author found that the best fit for a joint library serving Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria was to build a mobile website in HTML and CSS using mobile standards and best practices suitable for those devices. As the sole web services librarian, it was her duty to develop a browser-based mobile website and code it from scratch. In this article, she shares the findings, experiences, and helpful code snippets for building a mobile website on your own." [Abstract from ERIC database.] Link to full-text article in ESC ProQuest Research Library database: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/docview/1019444398/75C2FCA9AB3D4B62PQ/1?accountid=8067 Williams, B.S. (2012). Less Is More: How to App-ify Your Library Services. Computers in Libraries. 32(5), 36-38.

Kathryn Johns-Masten of Penfield Library at the State University of New York-Oswego presented on her library's experience implementing a mobile website using the iWebKit framework. Penfield librarians identified user needs, learned from other libraries' sites, chose a framework compatible with desired devices that fit available resources, and evaluated their site through focus groups and analysis of usage statistics. Johns-Masten proposed best practices for libraries considering a mobile site and led a discussion of factors involved in choosing a framework and issues related to technical support of mobile websites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] [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=2&sid=6b435564-9bcd-4f6f-95df-581478f9b036%40sessionmgr4004&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=86746117&db=eue Johns-Masten, K., & Mann, S. (2013). Mobile Websites and Apps in Academic Libraries: Harmony on a Small Scale. Serials Librarian, 64(1-4), 206-210. doi:10.1080/0361526X.2013.760422

The California State University-Fullerton Pollak Library recently launched a mobile version of its Web site to accommodate the needs of a burgeoning mobile user group. This article focuses on the process of conceptualizing, building, and deploying the mobile version of this Web site. It highlights the development process, from reviewing and understanding existing user needs to translating findings into meaningful mobile Web sites, and provides a detailed overview of the finished site. Some of what was learned during the conceptual and developmental phases might help other libraries considering going mobile. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=20&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=77492907&db=a9h DeMars, J. M. (2012). Smarter Phones: Creating a Pocket Sized Academic Library. Reference Librarian, 53(3), 253-262. doi:10.1080/02763877.2012.678236

This article examines technology trends in higher education and how they impact student habits and preferences in college libraries. A study was conducted among students at the Sam Houston State University in East Texas to investigate their usage of electronic devices and technologies such as text messaging, Twitter, podcasts, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, and social networks. Results indicate that students do wish that basic library services were available through the most popular social networking sites and Internet technologies. Topics include a review of literature consulted, methods used, and the demographics of the student body researched. [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=32d26eef-5aab-4af2-ad1a-c9624344797d%40sessionmgr115&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=61993848&db=a9h Cassidy, E. D., Britsch, J., Griffin, G., Manolovitz, T., Shen, L., & Turney, L. (2011). Higher Education and Emerging Technologies: Student Usage, Preferences, and Lessons for Library Services. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50(4), 380-391.

"Mobile device use has been soaring in recent years in all user groups. Mobile learning is no longer an optional activity for academic institutions, but a necessary endeavor. Developing a curriculum around mobile learning is essential, particularly for distance-based, non-traditional students. Understanding how students use their mobile devices is important to supporting mobile learning initiatives. Student survey responses were examined to determine how students use mobile devices in education. Librarians must stay on the forefront of mobile technology by using their skills in curating and teaching to support this important educational initiative and to become leaders in this area." [Abstract from ERIC Database.] Gebb, B.A., & Young, Z. (2014). Mobile Resource Use in a Distance Learning Population: What Are They Really Doing on Those Devices? Journal of Library & Information Services In Distance Learning, 8(3-4), 288-300.

I wasn't able to read the article - even through the ESC library connection. However, I am curious about the use of mobile devices in distance education and why there is not a higher level of support for some of the apps that are available. For example, my employer fully supports the Blackboard app on iPhone and Android platforms. Whereas at ESC, the Moodle mobile app is still not functional. Many times I have been out without my laptop and would like to get some work done on the phone, but looking at the Moodle website is horrid - even with its responsive theme. It seems the more we expect students to be mobile, the more we should embrace and support its many facets.

You could usually put in an Inter-library loan request (ILL) to get the full-text of articles that only appear in abstract form or do not appear in the ESC database. I just went to chat with a library as ESC and they gave me this web site adress: http://www.esc.edu/library/interlibrary-loan/

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate open source software (OSS) for digital libraries and collection management and to propose different utilization scenarios based on the characteristics of the tools. Design/methodology/approach - The tools are assessed on the basis of their technical features and options, the type of the content they manage, the support for common library operations such as cataloging and circulation, the searching support and the interoperability options. Then they are evaluated by users and finally a number of usage scenarios are analyzed based on the results of the evaluation. Findings - The basic findings of the study is that open source digital library and collection management tools offer advanced operations and support various metadata and interoperability protocols with easy and user-friendly interfaces. Most of the tools are extensively used under various settings and establishments already. Language support for the interfaces should be extended with more languages and some tools with limited operations should be improved to be of practical use. Practical implications - The findings of the paper could be used support the selection of specific open source tools for various types of establishments. Originality/value - The study reviews the characteristics of a few OSS for digital libraries and collection management and reveals their specific strengths and weaknesses. It also presents a number of realistic scenarios and proposes the usage of specific tools based on time, technology and staff constraints

This paper provides an overview of some of the major copyright issues for libraries in a digital environment. It explores how statutory and case law determine the path libraries must take to accomplish their mission. Copyright law is complex and ambiguous. It poses many challenges for librarians, but it is crucial that librarians have a basic understanding of the various provisions of the law in order to make informed decisions. However, the law is only one part of the equation. The interpretation of the law by the courts must also be constantly evaluated for potential impact to libraries.

To discover how a newly developed library mobile website performed across a variety of devices, the authors used a hybrid field and laboratory methodology to conduct a usability test of the website. Twelve student participants were recruited and selected according to phone type. Results revealed a wide array of errors attributed to site design, wireless network connections, as well as phone hardware and software. This study provides an example methodology for testing library mobile websites, identifies issues associated with mobile websites, and provides recommendations for improving the user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=32d26eef-5aab-4af2-ad1a-c9624344797d%40sessionmgr115&hid=126&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=83583519&db=a9h Pendell, K. D., & Bowman, M. S. (2012). Usability Study of a Library's Mobile Website: An Example from Portland State University. Information Technology & Libraries, 31(2), 45-62.

"Technology acceptance in education has been and continues to be a central concern for researchers, application and platform developers, and educators. Rapid advancements in miniaturization along with the availability of fast, reliable, and affordable networks have sparked an increasing demand by students for better ways to complement their mobile lifestyles in support of their learning. Based on a review of the literature of technology acceptance and trends in mobile device usage in learning, this researcher tested the predictive power of the Mobile Learning Acceptance Model (MLAM) in an online higher education setting. MLAM is an extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM) inasmuch as it seeks to obtain user perceptions of usefulness and ease of use and their effect on user attitude and behavioral intention to use mobile devices for learning. For this research, users included students and faculty. Current literature indicates that student desire for access to a variety of learning resources anywhere anytime is growing yet little is known regarding faculty perceptions regarding mobile learning (m-learning) or on how institutions can position themselves to meet the growing demand. A web-based survey design was used to test MLAM using a previously developed and validated instrument, though updated to include and exclude what is now or no longer applicable and the wording modified to ensure relevancy to the target population studied. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the factor structure. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which factors had the greatest influence on m-learning acceptance." [Abstract from ERIC database.] Link: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/docview/1399418322/abstract?accountid=8067 Marrs, K. (2013). An investigation of the factors that influence faculty and student acceptance of mobile learning in online higher education. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/doc

Abstract: This article reports on the results of a national survey of academic librarians and library staff (N=226) in the United States about their awareness of various copyright policies, partnerships with campus groups to address copyright issues, and training needs. A majority of the survey respondents reported that they have answered copyright-related questions in the workplace, yet only 49% (n=98) of the respondents perceived they were prepared to provide copyright information to library users. Awareness of various copyright policies among librarians and staff members varied, including a reported minimal awareness of the T.E.A.C.H. Act. In addition, survey respondents expressed the desire for more copyright-related training. In light of these findings, the present study extends the existing literature and offers recommendations to help better prepare a "copyright confident" or "copyright responsive" academic library workforce.

Some useful tips not just for teenagers, but for any users of social media looking to protect their privacy and online. I particularly liked the tip on modeling proper social media use for teens. The district I am in has blocked all social media sites (even Pinterest!) and so the students use VPNs to get around the blocks instead of allowing teachers and others to realistically demonstrate how to navigate social media sites in a healthy way it becomes something that is forbidden to be on.

This article reports on the results of a national survey of academic librarians and library staff (N = 226) in the United States about their awareness of various copyright policies, partnerships with campus groups to address copyright issues, and training needs. A majority of the survey respondents reported that they have answered copyright-related questions in the workplace, yet only 49% (n = 98) of the respondents perceived they were prepared to provide copyright information to library users.

A study into how iPads were perceived by teachers and implemented in a school. This link might be better. Not sure. http://www.worldcat.org.library.esc.edu/title/an-analysis-of-teachers-processes-of-technology-appropriation-in-classroom/oclc/5882295313&referer=brief_results

Interesting article and so relevant to what I, and so many others, face in the classroom every day. I feel that the initial implementation of iPad distribution (or any technology) should not be rushed just to get it out there. Teachers need to be properly educated and be comfortable using that technology. In addition, any technology should contain all necessary software or applications ready to use before distribution. One other issue that often goes over looked is the wifi in the building. If the wifi in the building is not strong or cannot support a high number of users simultaneously, how can it be used effectively in the classroom?