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What is the current state of mobile services among academic libraries of the country's top 100 universities, and what are the best practices for librarians implementing mobile services at the university level? Through in--‐depth website visits and survey questionnaires, the authors studied each of the top 100 universities' libraries' experiences with mobile services. Results showed that all of these libraries offered at least one mobile service, and the majority offered multiple services. The most common mobile services offered were mobile sites, text messaging services, e--‐books, and mobile access to databases and the catalog. In addition, chat/IM services, social media accounts and apps were very popular. Survey responses also indicated a trend towards responsive design for websites so that patrons can access the library's full site on any mobile device. Respondents recommend that libraries considering offering mobile services begin as soon as possible as patron demand for these services is expected to increase. [Abstract from EBSCOHost Education Source: Full-text article available in ESC library databases.] Link: http://search.proquest.com.library.esc.edu/pqrl/docview/1691586122/5530379CBA1C4741PQ/3?accountid=8067 Yan Quan, L., & Briggs, S. (2015). A Library in the Palm of Your Hand: Mobile Services in Top 100 University Libraries. Information Technology & Libraries, 34(2), 133-148. doi:10.6017/ital.v34i2.5650

Robert, This link takes me to the ESC login, but after logging in I receive the following message: Failure to connect due an internal server error. I thought maybe this was due to a browser issue, but it occurred with Safari, FireFox & Chrome. I searched for and located the article online (http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/ital/article/view/5650/pdf) - the research is interesting. Research presented confirms that "mobile [library] services are already ubiquitous among the country's top universities". My university's library services, catalogs, databases, ebook collections, etc. are also all accessible via online access from the university's library website page and directly via a link every LMS course shell. We have standardized certain items in all our LMS course shells and a link to the university's library resources is one of these standardized course shell items. If students have the mobile LMS app on a tablet/phone, again, all library services, catalogs, databases, & I believe ebooks?, etc. are accessible.

To Mark: I added in a link to get to this article and to all the articles I posted in the commercial databases. It is very interesting that ALL the ERIC links work but all the commercial links directly to the full-text PDF articles do not. Robert, December 1, 2015 I am sorry about this. I copied the link directly. Perhaps it did not work because you have to log in to the database first. The link will not take you there because you need to authenticate first, etc. Anyway, you can find the article in the EBSCOHost Education Source by title in the ESC databases. I realize that you already found it at another web site. That's OK, too. As long as you can access it. -- Robert

"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

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

"Mobile cloud learning, a combination of mobile learning and cloud computing, is a relatively new concept that holds considerable promise for future development and delivery in the education sectors. Cloud computing helps mobile learning overcome obstacles related to mobile computing. The main focus of this paper is to explore how cloud computing changes traditional mobile learning. A case study of the usage of Moodle in the cloud via mobile learning in Khalifa University was conducted." [Abstract from ERIC database.] Wang, M., Chen, Y., & Khan, M. J. (2014). Mobile Cloud Learning for Higher Education: A Case Study of Moodle in the Cloud. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. 15(2), 254-267.

- 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.

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

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

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.

"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.

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

Although many libraries already offer some type of reference service geared toward people who use mobile devices, they generally focus on the reference transaction and not on some of the broader aspects of service, including availability of content for mobile devices and relationship of the library's services to mobile initiatives on campus. Asking the right questions during the planning process can assist librarians in clarifying their goals for the service, identifying units to work with on campus, and determining whether the service is successful. This is a rapidly developing area and flexibility is key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] [Abstract from ESC Academic Search Complete database] Link: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.library.esc.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=22&sid=777400f5-917a-43a0-83b8-26cdc83f8315%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=49153076&db=a9h Lippincott, J. K. (2010). Mobile Reference: What Are the Questions?. Reference Librarian, 51(1), 1-11. doi:10.1080/02763870903373016

This article in USA Today this morning http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/02/03/low-moderate-income-families-under-connected/79724512/ led me to finding this study about access to high speed internet and current technology resources for lower income families. It was also interesting to me to read the comments on USA Today (usually something I actively avoid on most news sites) to see general public perceptions and reactions which were mainly negative in regards to what the report had to say about access and distribution.

Where I work i probably see this issues the most. Parents scramble to make sure their kids can have the use of technology for education purposes now and while Mobile Phones help, not all sites are Mobile friendly. Resources need to be available using more than one access point (computer, tablet, phone, laptop) for families to be successful in this Technology age.

some of you referenced Turkle's earlier work, Alone Together, on the ways in which technology is shifting not only our attention spans, but our interpersonal relationships - here is a brief review of Turkle's latest work

To Dr. Gal: Thanks for this link. I read the review. Somehow, I think Turkle's book is going to be more interesting than the review of it! Turkle is right. Most people appear to communicate mainly through their technological devices. At work, some younger employees (in their 20s) don't say anything to you (and I am not the only one who says this about some of these employees). It's as though the notion of conversation has become meaningless (and muted -- like sound that has been muted on your computer!) -- to some people -- unless it is done on some technological device. Then it's OK to unmute the sound. Sometimes I want to ask one of those non-talking 20-somethings if I need to download a sound driver, but I just remain muted -- just like them. Just my thoughts. Robert

Hi Robert, I will have to agree with you about the younger generation and how speaking to each other seems to be a thing of the past. Over the years, I been able to witness the oncoming medical students each year and as technology has advanced in the mobile device arena the less they spoke or interacted with each other.