mobile computing project

June 23, 2007 ALA Annual Conference 20071

The Mobile Computing Project: Ball State University Libraries

(www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile)

The Mobile Computing Project: Ball State University Libraries

(www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile)

Bradley D. FaustAssist. Dean for Library Info Technology Services Ball State University Libraries

ALA Annual Conference 2007

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Presentation OverviewPresentation Overview

• Current state of mobile technology• Why mobile technology should be

important to libraries• The Mobile Computing Project at the Ball

State University Libraries• The BSU Libraries mobile web site• Two mobile development efforts• Possible future work


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Mobile Device OptionsMobile Device Options


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Current State of MobileCurrent State of Mobile

• Better, faster, higher capacity networks and handheld devices

• Video can be streamed over cell networks, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, WiMAX

• Cost/performance for device ownership, subscription fees, is better than ever

• But what does this mean for libraries?


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Mobile Technology and Libraries


• The University Libraries and Ball State University, like many, are eager to embrace new information technologies

• Mobile computing is a creative space with interesting opportunities for library services

• Mobile technology is increasingly supporting teaching and learning (Course Management Systems)


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• Smart small-screen devices represent changes in the way we communicate – we believe libraries should have a role in this environment

• Devices are powerful, and many library users have this technology today

• Students and others embrace mobile technologies


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Mobile Library ApplicationsMobile Library Applications

• Audio book/Ebook services• Mobile search, including library

material• Quick fact (spell check, stock quote,

weather, maps)• Directional/virtual tours of library

facilities, library services• Video tutorials, instructional videos• Texting, messaging


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Mobile Project - WhyMobile Project - Why

• Observation that so many library customers have powerful mobile computing devices

• Desire to reach these individuals through the devices they use

• Rapid expansion of wireless voice and data network services

• Determine the role and opportunities for libraries in this technology space


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Mobile Computing ProjectMobile Computing Project

• Funded by a LSTA technology mini-grant from the Indiana State Library and IMLS

• Work began in May 2004• Addressed the possibilities of integrating

library services and collections (resources) with mobile computing devices

• Original focus was on data enabled cell phones, evolved to include other mobile devices


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University Libraries MobileUniversity Libraries Mobile

• Regular web sites unfriendly on mobile devices– Images are too large for small

screens– Pages too long for scrolling– Pages too big to fit in memory– Wasteful of minutes– JavaScript, other scripting

languages do not work


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• How does the Mobile Site work better on small screen devices?– Short pages– Easy to read fonts– Easy to navigate– Minimal images– Anywhere access


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CardCat Mobile – Phase 1CardCat Mobile – Phase 1

• Custom Gateway to CardCat system designed for mobile devices

• Smaller graphics• Accessible through

library mobile web site on main page

• Ran into issues – moved forward with MOPAC


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CardCat Mobile – Phase IICardCat Mobile – Phase II

• Uses Z39.50 based services

• Developed using Microsoft Visual Studio Development environment

• Served as a basis for our grant request

• It worked!


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Mobile JournalsMobile Journals

• Searchable index of Journals and other Serial Communications available from the University Libraries (search titles)

• Limits results to online titles• Provides hot links to online resources• User-friendly navigation • Format and design fits small-screen

devices


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Mobile Journals - ExamplesMobile Journals - Examples


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Mobile Journals - ExamplesMobile Journals - Examples


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Mobile VideoMobile Video

• Provides access to low bandwidth versions of library promotional videos

• Provides access to low bandwidth versions of instructional video (limited access)

• Work best on PocketPC devices with a Wi-Fi connection (2006)

• The video streams are in Windows Media format


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Google Co-op Site SearchGoogle Co-op Site Search

• This year, added Google Co-op search to mobile site

• Replaced mobile sitemap option on the mobile homepage

• Leverages the power of Google Search• Increases usability and usefulness of

mobile site


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Possible Future WorkPossible Future Work

• Build out the CardCat Mobile product• Build out the Mobile Journals product• Build other library services

– Text messaging about available material– Investigate access to academic

information resources– ‘Mobilize’ our material resource locator

• Look at blog, RSS, wiki and other 2.0 solutions for mobile devices


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• Available at– http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobi

le/

• We are interested in comments and suggestions to improve the site

• Feedback link on mobile web site

http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile/



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Web ResourcesWeb Resources

• University Libraries Mobile Site – http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile/

• University Libraries Mobile “Jump” page– http://www.bsu.edu/library/mobile/

• Mobile Computing Project Web Site– http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/viewpage.aspx

?SRC=./lits/mobileproject/index.html

• Ball State University’s mobile site– http://mobile.bsu.edu


http://www.bsu.edu/library/mobile/

http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/viewpage.aspx?SRC=./lits/mobileproject/index.html

http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/viewpage.aspx?SRC=./lits/mobileproject/index.html

http://mobile.bsu.edu/


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Project TeamProject Team

• Bradley D. Faust – [email protected] – Assistant Dean for Lib Info Tech Services

• Andy West – [email protected] – Mobile Computing Developer

• Stan Shannon– Special Projects Developer

• Project Co-Investigators– Arthur W. Häfner, Ph.D., M.B.A., &

Bradley D. Faust

mailto:[email protected]



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Thank YouThank You

• This project was supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library.


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Contact InformationContact Information

Bradley D. FaustBall State University LibrariesMuncie, [email protected](765) 285-8032

http://www.bsu.edu/library http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile


http://www.bsu.edu/library

http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile