Enhancing library access through the use of mobile technology:

the student perspective and practical implementation

Lynne Callaghan&

Ruth Charlton

Centre for Excellence in Professional Placement Learning

University of Plymouth

Order of presentation

Background to Centre and development activities

Construction of library guide

Student evaluation of guide and utility of mobile technologies for placement students

Background:

Centre for Excellence in Professional Placement Learning (Ceppl) one of 74 Centres for Teaching and Learning (CETLs) funded by HEFCE in 2005.

9 Development Activities: Specific areas of placement learning including: Assessment, Interprofessional Education, Enhancing Library Access and m-learning.

Enhancing Library Access

Aim: to enhance access to library based and electronic resources for health and social care students at the University of Plymouth whilst on placement.

Initial study: Qualitative focus group study with Social work, midwifery and emergency care students across South West Peninsula (Callaghan, Doherty, Lea & Webster, 2007)

Inequality

User education needs

Need for guide to centralise and improve accessibility to information and usability of resources

University

NHS

Social Services

The need for a guide....

The Ceppl m-learning project

Aim: To explore how mobile technology enhances students’ learning experience whilst on placement.

Construction of the library guide

Meetings with NHS librarians and Social Work Knowledge ManagersConsultation event with university and NHS librariansCollating information for guide Realisation that a printed guide would be useless

First steps to a solution

Mapping the information needed

Producing the web pages

Mobile technology!

Guide Design

Designed by Digital Arts Placement Student

Inclusion of interactive elements

Need for evaluation

Aims to: 1.Explore student perceptions of the utility of the electronic guide to access information regarding resources whilst on placement 2.Explore student perceptions of the potential use of mobile devices to access the guide whilst on placement.

Library guide evaluation

Workshops and interviews with 31 students from Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Learning Disability Nursing. Provided with macbooks, mobile phones and iPaqs in order to assess the utility of these devices to access the guide.

Evaluation Method

Students were asked to:

1.Evaluate the guide in terms of anything they would change or add to the guide

2.Evaluate the utility of mobile technologies to access the use the guide whilst on

placement by reflecting on their placement experiences.

Very supportive of guide and see it as a valuable resource whilst on placement

Additions to guide: Interactive map giving and allowing students to provide information re mobile and wireless coverage across region. Links to partner college library systems Links to NHS library catalogues Maps of clinics with information re bus times, accommodation

Guide Issues

SupportPeer Support

Suggestions for other useful websitesSuggestion of useful chapters etcStar ratings and book reviewsPost information re libraries further afield than Devon/Cornwall patchExperiences of placementsCross discipline

Technical SupportOnline tutorials for the use of electronic resourcesTechnical help for mobile devices, FAQs & ongoing technical support.

 

Mobile technology issuesAdvantages Internet access on placements without access Mobile devices will enable quick referencing/research between patients Phone better than laptop – security Having own access to internet via device would speed up work on placement Could brief yourself prior to meeting with a patient

“The phones are perfect as I didn’t have internet access on my last placement and found it extremely difficult to do any work.”(Podiatry student)

Mobile technology issues

Potential Disadvantages Training Cost Concerns re value of items and insurance May worry students as may be thought of as involving more work Student might feel behind if they have problems with technology

Conclusion Enable students to influence guide content

Provide information regarding devices and associated charges

Timely training and ongoing support

Further work and communication with:practice staffNHS librarians