capstone paper - hannan - 11.26.12

7/30/2019 Capstone Paper - Hannan - 11.26.12

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Running head: LIBRARIES AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGY 1

Libraries and Mobile Technology

Khyle M Hannan

Completed as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Master of Library and Information Science Capstone

Valdosta State University

November 26, 2012


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LIBRARIES AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGY 2

Abstract

As mobile devices grow in popularity, academic libraries must focus on adapting their resources

and services to ensure they continue to provide excellent customer service. The advent of mobile

technology presents both opportunities and challenges for academic libraries. Opportunities

include increased interaction with patrons and the ability to create custom library experiences

through applications. Challenges include the need for library staff with technical expertise and

ensuring that existing electronic resources remain compatible. This paper presents an overview

of how many academic libraries are using mobile technology, including a detailed summary of

practical adaptations and applications.

Keywords: academic libraries, mobile technology, mobile device, smart phone, tablet, mobile

website, virtual reference service, e-books, qr code, augmented reality, app,


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Libraries and Mobile Technology

In the late Twentieth Century, academic libraries experienced a paradigm shift in the

standard form of information delivery. The shift involved a transition from information delivered

primarily in print form to information delivered primarily in electronic form. The greatest impact

on the library was in the area of serials and periodicals. Many scholarly publications began to

offer electronic-only subscriptions. Discipline specific electronic databases became the

destination of choice for many faculty and researchers. The advent of the electronic book has had

less impact on libraries so far, but its impact will increase with time.

To continue to provide the information their patrons need, academic libraries began

collecting both physical and electronic forms of information. The shift continued, however, and

over the last twenty years the amount of electronic information continued to grow at the expense

of print information. Library patrons increasingly rely on computers rather than a book to access

the information they need. One of the largest results of this change is that patrons can now access

the majority of library resources, remotely. Library patrons can conduct research, read journals

and search databases from any place they have an internet connection.

The next paradigm shift affecting academic libraries began in 2007 with the release of the

iPhone. The iPhone was the first device in a new smart phone market. Many other smart phones

soon followed such as Goggles Android phones and Microsofts Windows Mobile phones. All

of these smart phones share common features the largest being mobile access to the internet.

Additional features include email, text-messaging, a camera and the ability to enhance their

functionality by downloading applications (Apps). Following the enormous success of the

iPhone, Apple introduced a tablet computer called the iPad in 2010. The iPad shared much of the

functionality of the iPhone the significant differences being a larger screen, faster processor and

the lack of any phone related features. Many companies released tablet computers to compete

with the iPad and, as a result, the tablet computer market expanded.

Previously, laptop computers had been the standard for mobile computing. Laptop

computers functioned as a portable desktop computer sharing the same operating system and

software. The rapid growth of the smart phone and tablet computer markets changed the primary

method that many academic library users access the internet. These mobile devices were


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remarkably different from desktop and laptop computers as they have their own operating

systems, applications and smaller screen sizes and form factors.

Academic libraries find themselves in the midst of rapid technological change. Mobile

technology is a new area of computing and one that has had a considerable impact on the field

and academic libraries, in particular. The rise of mobile computing represents a paradigm shift in

the way in which library patrons use electronic information. The focus of this paper will be the

various opportunities and challenges mobile devices offer academic libraries. For the purposes of

this paper I will define a mobile device as any device that connects wirelessly to the internet over

a cellular network, allows most forms of text-based communication (SMS, Email, Instant

Message), can download Apps to enhance functionality, has a camera and uses one of four

mobile operating systems, iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

Opportunities

The advent of mobile devices presents a substantial opportunity for academic libraries.

The transfer of information from print to electronic form has been ongoing for years and

provides a common foundation. Academic libraries have already adapted or converted many of

their existing resources into electronic forms. Library patrons have already adjusted to this

change and had time to familiarize themselves with using electronic information.

The move to mobile devices provides many opportunities to academic libraries, including

patrons connected to the library at all times, a convenient means for providing electronic content,

the potential for increased interaction between the library and patrons and the ability to create

custom library experiences through applications.

Mobile devices provide an environment in which patrons are connected to their academic

library at all times. The opportunity for libraries is in how they respond to this circumstance and

use that connection effectively. Libraries need to generate interest in mobile services and

resources.

Desktop and laptop computers are a means for libraries to provide electronic content, but

they have limitations. Location is a limitation; patrons cannot use electronic library resources

unless they are physically near a desktop computer. Desktop computers typically use a wired

connection to attach to a network. Laptop computers typically use a wireless connection to attach

to a network. Both a wired or wireless networks introduce location-based limitations on their


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users. Mobile devices have an internet connection supplied by a cellular network and, therefore,

their users have less location-based limitations. This fact makes the mobile device a superior

platform for library patrons to use electronic content.

A large patron population with mobile devices is an environment in which libraries have

the opportunity to increase communication and interaction. There are a myriad of different

communication options available on the average mobile device including SMS or text

messaging, email, and instant messaging. Libraries have already begun to adapt their services to

utilize these new communication methods. These services have value as a personal

communication tool between patrons and library staff, but they have many other uses, as well.

Many libraries are using some combination of these three methods to conduct reference service.

The distinction of these new services is that since they are all mobile friendly, the library can

interact with patrons wherever they happen to be. This aspect of mobile devices enables libraries

to expand their services beyond the scope of traditional reference and outside the range of the

patrons within the library facility.

Mobile devices can enhance their original functionality through downloadable software

known as Apps. Mobile computer programmers can create Apps to do numerous tasks, and the

only constraints are the physical limitations of the device itself. Libraries can create Apps of their

own for mobile patrons. These Apps have the ability to create a custom library experience which

allows patrons to view library resources in a unique way.

The advent of mobile devices provides libraries with many opportunities to develop

traditional services and provide new offerings. Libraries need to focus on how to harness the

communication abilities of mobile devices by connecting with patrons wherever they are.

Electronic resources can be made mobile friendly to improve the patron experience. Mobile

ready communication methods can be used to provide reference services. Finally, libraries can

create custom experiences by developing Apps that highlight their unique resources.

Challenges

Despite the many opportunities that mobile devices provide academic libraries, there are

a fair number of challenges that need to be overcome. Libraries already have a significant

investment in electronic resources. Mobile technology is relatively new, and libraries are

unaware how their existing resources will operate on a mobile device.


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The advent of mobile devices presents a fair number of challenges for academic libraries,

including the need for library staff with time, funding and technical expertise, having to adapt

existing electronic resources for use on mobile devices, having to test third-party applications to

determine the level of compatibility and the importance of raising awareness by promoting

library mobile services.

Mobile development requires library staff with technical expertise, free time and funding.

If any of these three elements are lacking then, the library will have a difficult time preparing for

mobile technology. Staff with technical expertise, in particular, is essential. If the library does

not employ staff with these skills, then it will have to outsource this portion of the work.

Libraries have a significant investment in electronic resources, many of which may not

function properly on mobile devices. It is paramount to ensure that the library website works

well as this is the first destination for the majority of patrons. Adapting existing resources can be

one of the most challenging aspects of mobile development as it usually requires the largest

investment of time and funding.

Academic libraries typically have many applications on their website that link to third-

party resources such as proprietary databases, vendors and consortia. It is a unique challenge to

adapt these resources as they are outside of the librarys direct control. If the library determines

that third-party resources are incompatible, it will have to see if a mobile friendly alterative is

available.

Once the library adapts its electronic content they will need to promote their mobile-

friendly services. Raising awareness is a critical step as many patrons that have mobile devices

will be unaware of the changes. Promoting mobile services with mobile advertising is an

excellent strategy as patrons with mobile devices are the primary audience.

Mobile Website

One aspect of the advent of mobile technology is the need for libraries to address the

compatibility of their website. The library website is the gateway to all of the librarys electronic

content, and as such is an extremely valuable information resource. Mobile technology creates

many opportunities and challenges as academic libraries attempt to mobilize their website.

The smaller screen size and form factor of the average mobile device makes rendering a

normal webpage, difficult. The only way to fit the entire webpage on a smaller screen is to have


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the image zoomed out which inherently shrinks the page, making details difficult to see. This

situation is less than ideal as content is unreadable, links are obscured, and navigation becomes a

chore. In the librarys struggle to remain relevant, it is necessary to address the compatibility of

their website with regards to mobile devices. According to Mairn (2012), Its simple: If a

librarys Web site does not display well on mobile devices, then users will go to another resource

that displays well while providing them with the information they need (p. 264).

One of the most powerful tools available to address website compatibility is to create a

mobile website. A mobile website is a website optimized for display on mobile devices. A

mobile device user attempting to go to the libraries website automatically redirects to the mobile

site by default. A mobile site typically has a text-based appearance and does not include images

as to improve page load speeds. The mobile site contains streamlined content with only central

library services available.

The opportunities of a mobile website include the ability to share online content with

mobile device users and the creation of standard online content across many different mobile

operating systems. Despite the opportunities, there are many challenges associated with

developing a mobile website. The format of a normal website includes screen size, software

requirements and dimensions designed for a desktop computer. Mobile devices have an entirely

different set of parameters including a different operating system, screen size, manufacturer and

form factor. These differences typically make accessing the librarys website on a mobile

device, difficult. Haefele (2011) found Although desktop-style webpages are usable on

smartphones, they sometimes fall short of an ideal experience (p. 118).

Development of a mobile site is similar to traditional website development. The first step

in the design process is to survey the librarys patron population. The purpose of the survey is to

determine the amount of mobile devices users and what devices they are using. The data are

critical in determining the need for a mobile website and ensuring compatibility with the devices

in use. According to Kim (2012), Find out what types of mobile devices they own, how they use

their mobile devices, and what their expectations are when they visit mobile Web sites (p. 311).

Data should include smart phones as well as other mobile devices such as tablets. Determining,

which device is in the statistical majority will be useful when conducting usability tests.

Ensuring the mobile site works with the majority device guarantees access for the largest


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collection of patrons. After completion of the mobile site, a survey should be re administered

periodically to monitor trends in device usage over time.

Once gathering the initial data is complete, the next step is to conduct a focus group with

library patrons. The purpose of the focus group is to determine what website features should

appear on the librarys mobile site. Quick or mobile-friendly services are excellent choices.

Services such as library hours, computer availability, catalog access, floor maps and virtual

reference services are quite common. Patrons will use the mobile site while they are on the go

and typically require time-sensitive information. In addition to the features recommended by the

focus group, the mobile site should always include a link to the full library website for patrons

that require additional library resources.

It is necessary to try to include any third-party resources that appear on the librarys

website such as databases, vendors and consortia. According to Houghton (2012), Focus on

pulling in all of the various services that your partners (i.e. content providers, local resources)

also offer (p. 315). Even if the library develops a mobile website if there are third-party

resources connected to it that are not mobile friendly the patrons mobile experience will suffer.

When the library completes the data collection and focus group research, the next step is

to develop a beta version of the mobile site and conduct usability tests. The purpose of the beta

site is to provide a working version that people can use. Once developed, the beta site should be

subjected to usability tests to determine what works, what does not and what can be improved.

The beta site should be released to an audience and given a set trial period and method for

providing feedback. For the usability testing to be effective, multiple devices need to be

incorporated into the test design. Houghton (2012) observed, Ideally, the site would be

reviewed on the major smartphone operating systems - Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows

Mobileand on the two leading tablet platformsAndroid and iPad (p. 314). The device in the

statistical majority from the survey data should be the first device tested to ensure compatibility

for the largest population of patrons.

When the library completes the usability testing they can begin reviewing the feedback

and making relevant changes. Changes should aim to improve the overall patron experience and

can include adding or removing an element, color and design modifications or wording changes.

It is pertinent to note that changes should only be made if the usability test data supports a

change and never for anecdotal suggestions.


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With the changes completed, the mobile site will lose its beta status and be ready for

launch. It is best to launch the mobile site at a specific time of the year such as at the beginning

of a semester. Timing the site launch to coincide with a key date serves as a goal for the library

and makes an easier introduction to a new library service for patrons.

A marketing strategy should support the launch of the mobile site. An effective marketing

strategy should include multiple channels including; print media such as flyers and posters,

internet advertising such as banner ads on the librarys home page, mobile advertising such as

text messages and social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Marketing and outreach are

essential so that patrons know what the mobile site is and what it can do for them.

The next stage after the launch of the site is for the library to conduct regular assessment

to check the sites performance and impact. Analysis tools such as Google Analytics can provide

continuous information regarding the sites traffic including details such as the average length of

a site visit, where a visitor came from and what site they went to next. After six months to a year,

the mobile team should conduct a formal assessment. This comprehensive assessment will

evaluate the overall performance of the mobile site and concentrate on the sites strengths,

weaknesses and possible improvements. As in the usability testing, the assessment should focus

on data rather than anecdotal suggestions.

As with any website, a mobile site is a perpetual work in progress. Development will be

ongoing, and the library will need to continue to evaluate the websites direction and

effectiveness. Regular assessment data will help the library learn how the site is functioning, and

whether it continues to meet patrons needs.

Development of a mobile site is an excellent way for libraries to modify their existing

electronic resources to be compatible with mobile devices. The site creation is an enormous task,

and one that the library will need to devote significant time and resources to achieve. Haefele

(2011) notes Establishing a mobile presence can seem a daunting task, breaking it down into

smaller tasks and individual decisions can help direct developers (p. 126).

Virtual Reference Service

Virtual reference service (VRS) is an umbrella term that refers to any form of electronic

reference service. (Xiangming, Dimitroff, Jordan, & Burclaff, 2011) found VRS

communications can involve asynchronous or synchronous communication (p. 120). Virtual


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Reference Service can include communication between a librarian and a patron via instant

message services, email or using an online submission form. VRS is available to any library

patron using a computer, but it is particularly suitable as a mobile communication tool. Given the

limits of the medium, reference transactions using VRS tend to be brief and typically may

involve answering only a single question.

Mobile devices are an excellent tool for accessing all forms of VRS, on the go. Patrons

can use their device to email a librarian, utilize a web-based online submission form or chat in

real-time through an instant message program. The presence of mobile technology expands the

capabilities of VRS service by providing librarians greater contact with patrons. Library patrons

can use their device to obtain reference support on their own time.

SMS or text message reference is a common form of VRS, but the format has unique

challenges. Patrons use their cell phone to submit questions to the library via text message. Text

messages allow a maximum of 160 characters, which makes providing, reference services via

text message difficult. According to Jensen (2010), Almost without exception, patrons send

queries that lend themselves to the brevity of the medium (p. 269). Librarians and patrons need

to reduce their message to fit the character restrictions.

Despite the challenges, text message reference has a lot of opportunities for patrons and

libraries. Communicating with a librarian via text message is convenient and provides patrons

with a flexible service that is accessible from their mobile device. Concurrently, adopting text

message reference is an excellent way for a library to adapt their standard reference services to

the needs of mobile users. Brooks and Zubarev (2012) found This service allows the librarians

to be involved in innovative professional services that satisfy a legitimate information demand

from the users and makes creative use of a common technological device for library needs (p.

177).

Text message reference provides a nontraditional benefit by encouraging library patrons

who would otherwise be intimidated by approaching a librarian for research support. The

nonthreatening format allows patrons to contact a librarian from a distance and start asking basic

research questions. Through text messaging, an entirely different set of patrons may now be

using library services.

A common assumption is that the majority of patrons using text message reference are

outside of the library, but this is not always the case. In the library, patrons have many valid


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reasons to use text messaging as they may be on a different floor from the reference desk and

want to ask a question, they may be in the stacks and need assistance locating materials, or they

may just be in a hurry. Brooks and Zubarev (2012) noted Some students may just not want to

lose their place in a busy computer area (p. 176).

To ensure that library patrons are aware of the availability of text message reference the

service must be marketed effectively. Promotion of the service should involve multiple channels

including print media such as posters and table tents, electronic media such advertisements on

the library web page and word of mouth marketing via librarians at the reference desk.

Advertising text message reference service with a promotional text message would be an

excellent introduction to the service.

The Catalog

The online public access catalog (OPAC) is an essential component of most academic

libraries electronic resources. The OPAC is an online database containing records of all the

material that a library or library system owns. Patrons can search the OPAC for material and use

the corresponding call number to determine how to locate the material.

The opportunity of the OPAC is that the database information is already in electronic

format. Patrons can access the OPAC from any computer connected to the internet. The online

nature of the OPAC makes it an inherently mobile-friendly technology. While discussing mobile

website features, Iglesias and Meesangnil (2011) note, Emphasis should be on the content of the

most use to offsite users, such as library hours, the online public catalog, research guides and

directional aids (p. 19).

The challenge of making the OPAC mobile-ready is that most academic libraries use

vendor-supplied, Integrated Library Systems (ILS) to provide their catalog. ILS systems are fee-

based services, typically with a contract. To mobilize its OPAC, an academic librarys ILS

vendor would have to be capable of providing that service. The library typically has to pay

additional costs for mobile OPAC services.

The OPAC is a core service of academic libraries and the primary method of conducting

research within a library or library system. Providing mobile access to the OPAC is convenient

for library patrons. Academic libraries will need to evaluate if the value for patrons justifies the

additional costs.


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E-Books

Electronic books, or e-books, are a reading format in which a computer file contains a

books contents. The commercial availability of electronic books is an opportunity for libraries

as the majority of mobile devices can read e-book files. Patrons can check out e-books using

several different services that facilitate this transaction such as Overdrive.

Electronic books offer many opportunities for academic libraries. They can potentially

circulate e-textbooks for classes on campus. Collection development procedures can include e-

books, in addition to, physical books. Library patrons can use a compatible mobile device to

borrow and read the material. E-books provide the opportunity for libraries to expand their

collection and offer patrons a unique way of interacting with the library.

Despite the opportunities, there are many challenges associated with e-books. Budget

conscious libraries may not be able to afford an e-book collection, and the cost of e-book readers

is prohibitive, as well. There are many different e-book file types which make compatibility with

patron devices, difficult. Wexelbaum and Miltenoff (2012) observed, Reasons to avoid

investing in e-readers as standard library equipment include shrinking budgets, lack of

compatibility with all e-book formats, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, and failure to

meet the academic needs of students and/or faculty (p. 270). E-books typically include

accompanying Digital Rights Management (DRM) software. The inclusion of DRM software

prevents copyright infringement by limiting what a user can do with the file. Despite the need for

copyright protection, the presence of DRM software makes for a frustrating experience for e-

book users. DRM imposes a number of restrictions on what mobile device an e-book can be

viewed on and a maximum number of views allowed before the file becomes inaccessible.

Griffey (2012) noted, The biggest issue with e-readers and library patrons is that this process

isnt seamless, the content providers and their DRM servers are huge headaches for the average

e-reader user (p. 19). If the library leases the e-books from a provider, then file type,

compatibility, DRM and accessibility are all issues that need to be addressed.

There are many opportunities and challenges associated with academic libraries

collecting electronic books. Vasileiou, Rowley & Hartley (2012) found, The transition of the

book-both the core resources of libraries, and in many senses the symbol of its core identity-into

digital format presents a key challenge (p. 282). Any library circulating e-books needs to


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address these challenges to ensure their patrons get the best value from the service. Despite these

challenges, e-books are a popular, mobile-friendly choice for academic libraries.

QR Codes

QR or quick response codes are a two dimensional barcode capable of storing an

extremely large amount of information. The QR Code acts as a link to an electronic resource of

some kind. QR Codes are flexible and can be connected to any number of resources such as

websites, phone numbers, email addresses and short passages of text. QR Codes typically link to

a uniform resource locator (URL) pertaining to a location on the internet such as a website.

QR Code generation is free and easy to do. There is a large amount of code generators

available on the internet. To create one, all that you need to do is input the information you

would like to encode and select the desired size. The generator then creates an image file with

the code of the desired size. The code can be displayed online such as on a website or a physical

copy can be made by printing the image file.

QR Codes are an inherently mobile friendly technology. Using the camera and a scanning

application, a mobile device can read a QR Code and direct its user to the corresponding

electronic resource. Free scanning applications are available on all of the leading mobile

operating systems.

QR Codes inherent flexibility, low cost and ease of use provide an opportunity for many

uses in an academic library. The code acts as a bridge between the physical and electronic library

resources. Hicks and Sinkinson (2011) found, Whether the user is intimidated, unaware of the

services available, unmotivated to navigate the library building, or in a location away from the

library, QR codes provide a quick method of contact with librarians (p. 64). Libraries can use

QR Codes to linkto the librarys website, electronic databases, librarian contact information,

instructional videos, building maps, computer availability tools, study room reservation utilities

and social media resources, to name a few.

There are challenges associated with utilizing QR codes in academic libraries. Many

patrons that own mobile devices are not familiar with QR Codes and their use. To help patrons

understand, the library should include instructions when posting a code. To boost engagement,

the codes should link to relevant electronic resources, and they should be tested to ensure that


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they function properly. Wells (2012) mentioned, Link your QR codes to mobile-friendly

websites (p. 146). QR Codes are an excellent opportunity for libraries to offer patrons with

mobile devices a link between physical and electronic resources.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology in which someone sees the real world through an

electronic lens that augments the view with related, electronically generated content. The

electronically generated content acts as a layer over the real world. This layer may consist of

anything, including photographs, video, graphical enhancements and music. Pence (2011) noted,

Perhaps the simplest definition is that Augmented reality is the combination of digital

information with the real world (p. 137).

Mobile devices provide all of the tools necessary for augmented reality including, a

screen, camera, global positioning system (GPS) and an internet connection. As a result, there

are many augmented reality applications available for mobile devices. The application uses the

camera to capture views of the real world. Next it augments this view by superimposing

electronic content over the original image. Academic libraries can make AR applications with

library content and use AR applications to improve the patron experience.

Libraries can enrich their patrons experience by using Augmented Reality to provide

information in new and innovative ways. An AR map can direct patrons to the circulation desk, a

computer with access to the library catalog and even a call number range in the stacks. Librarians

can use AR technology to connect musical scores to images of famous musicians for use in

instruction sessions. If the library has difficult to use equipment such as a photocopier, patrons

can watch an informative training video through AR.

An opportunity for academic libraries is that they can use their content to create

Augmented Reality applications. The library archive, in particular, is helpful in this regard. A

library-designed AR application can layer old photographs over a place so patrons can see what

it used to look like in different time periods. Forsyth (2011) observed, It would also be amazing

to walk down a main street, looking at photographs of what it used to look like where you are

standing, and listen to oral histories of old and new residents telling their stories (p. 128).

Augmented reality technology is an opportunity for academic libraries to offer their content in an

exciting and interactive way.


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Utilizing Augmented Reality includes challenges as well as opportunities. Marketing is

essential as AR is a relatively new technology. Many patrons may not be aware of what AR is

and how it can be used. To use AR, patrons need to download a separate application. These

applications may be different depending on the patrons mobile device operating system. AR

applications have a learning curve before they can be used seamlessly. Academic libraries may

want to offer training sessions to educate patrons. The training can focus on what AR

applications the library uses and how to navigate the application interface.

Apps

Mobile applications, or Apps, are software designed for a specific mobile operating

system. Apps allow users to expand the original functionality of their mobile device. Mobile

computer programmers are capable of designing apps that can fulfill many needs with the only

restrictionbeing the physical limitations of the device itself. According to Besara (2012), It is

clear that smartphones and tablets are developing into more than just basic communication and

media consumption devices (p. 308). A device user typically downloads the App directly to

their device from an online marketplace.

Apps provide an opportunity for academic libraries to create custom library experiences

and allow patrons to view library resources in a unique way. An academic library App could

provide basic library information such as operating hours, computer availability, librarian contact

information and catalog access. An App could also offer unique features such as a virtual tour of

the library collection, video research guides from subject librarians, information literacy

scavenger hunts to assist in library instruction and a library archives exhibit enriched by

augmented reality content. Apps provide the opportunity for a rich, detailed mobile library

experience.

Applications present unique challenges for academic libraries, as well. An App is a

complex piece of software and; therefore, their design requires specific technical expertise.

Academic libraries would need to either employ staff with this expertise or hire outside experts

to assist in App development. In addition to the technical knowledge required, Apps are

expensive to develop making them a difficult choice for the budget conscious libraries to

consider. Apps are bound to a specific mobile operating system which makes multiple device

compatibility impossible. If an academic library created a custom application for the Apple iOS


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operating system, only patrons with an Apple mobile device could use this application. To ensure

the majority of patrons have access to content, the library would have to make Apps for each

mobile operating system. Creating multiple Apps would be cost prohibitive.

When mobilizing central library services, one of the unique challenges is to determine

whether an App or a mobile website is a more appropriate solution. The advantage of Apps is

that they allow for a rich, detailed mobile experience. The disadvantage of Apps is they are

expensive, require specific technical expertise and limited to a single operating system. In

contrast, the advantage of a mobile website is they are affordable, require less technical expertise

to make and can be used by any mobile operating system. The disadvantage of a mobile website

is they can only provide a basic mobile experience. Academic libraries will need to evaluate both

options and determine which will better suit their patrons needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, academic libraries are in the midst of a paradigm shift brought on by rapid

technological change. The transition from print to electronic information has fundamentally

changed the way in which academic libraries fulfill their mission. Currently, the majority of

academic libraries develop both print and electronic collections, but this may change.

The advent of mobile technology represents a new paradigm shift and signals a new

information model for academic libraries. The defining element of this model is the presence of

mobile devices capable of delivering electronic content, on demand, practically anywhere. The

potential of mobile technology could increase the shift from print to electronic information and

further change the world in which academic libraries operate.

Mobile technology represents both opportunities and challenges for academic libraries.

The opportunities include the potential for closer library connections with patrons and the ability

to create custom library experiences through applications. The challenges include prohibitive

costs, the need for library staff with technical expertise and device compatibility issues. Libraries

need to concentrate on addressing the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities that

mobile technology offers.

Academic libraries are beginning to develop mobile-friendly resources and services, but

the pace of development needs to increase to match patron demand. The challenges

accompanying mobile technology are a significant barrier to success. Mobile device adoption is a


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critical opportunity for libraries. To maintain a core focus on patron service and user needs,

academic libraries must accelerate their mobile technology efforts in the Twenty-First Century.


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capstone paper - hannan - 11.26.12

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