Using mobile technologies to develop new ways of Libraries and Information Centre

BY Dheeraj singh negi

Introduction

Information and Communications Technology continues to expand the boundaries of higher education into an the “ anytime /anywhere” experiences. Mobile Commnication is transforming how people search, receive and interact with information on a daily basis. In just a few short years smart phone ownership has skyrocketed and popular use of e-readers has been steadily on the rise. These advanced mobile tools provide portable, access to the world of information, across boundaries of subject, discipline and industry

What is the Mobile Web?

The computer, media player, and cell phone are all converging into a single device as manufacturers aim to provide a complete experience for the consumer. This evolution of handheld devices combined with new high-speed wireless data networks make browsing the mobile Internet a more compelling experience. Much like the transition the Web experienced when broadband access became widely attainable, the mobile Web is turning a corner and becoming useful to the everyday user. While mass adoption is still in its infancy in this country, the landscape is developing quickly. Now is the time to get on-board and on-the-move with the mobile Web.

What is the Mobile Web

Mobile Phone Features

There are a wide range of features available for today’s handheld devices, some of which come pre-installed on devices, and others which may be added on through carrier plans

1.Bluetooth 2. Camera3. Desktop Synchronization 4. Downloadable Content 5. Email6. Games

Cont….

7. GPS 8. IM 9. Memory Card Slot 10. Mobile Office Applications 11. Video etc.

Mobile Phone Features

Mobile Technology use in libraries and information centre

Libraries can provide a wide array of mobile services to interested users:

E-books and e-book readers

Mobile online public access catalogs (OPACs) Mobile applications Mobile collections The Overdrive service Mobile library instruction

Cont..

Mobile databases Library Short Message Service (SMS) notifications SMS Reference

Features of Library Mobile Sites

A review of library mobile sites shows that they may offer the following features: I. Mobile library catalog plus II. Loan-related servicesIII. Information about opening hoursIV. Directions to the libraryV. Information on how to contact the library via multiple channels

(chat/SMS/phone/e‑mail)VI. Links to mobile-enabled databasesVII.Links to mobile-enabled Web 2.0 accounts, such as Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and

Facebook Floor maps Information on availability of computers and group discussion rooms

VIII.A webcam so users can check on congestion in the libraryIX. News about library eventsX. Content for download on prod casts, videos, Etc

Conclusion

Mobile technology holds great promise for enabling libraries to provide enhanced services in a form users increasingly are demanding. If this promise is to be fully realized, however, libraries will need to conduct analyses and make smart decisions to address the issues outlined above, support staff education and explore partnerships and new funding models, and be prepared to compromise with respect to their traditional information delivery models.

References

Golvin, Charles S. “Benchmark 2007: Mobile’s The Most Mainstream” Forrester Research, September 28, 2007.

Balas, Janet L. “Of iPhones and Ebooks: Will They Get Together?” Computers in Libraries,

November/December 2007. Strother, Neil. “Mobile Video: What Consumers Want to Watch on their

Phones”, Jupiter Research, Strother, Neil. “US Mobile Marketing Forecast 2007 to 2012” Jupiter

Research, Volume 2, 2011. Husson, Thomas. “Mobile Social Networks: Complementary

Communication Tools for Online Social Networking”, Jupiter Research, September 19, 2011