Getting a handle on handheld

AGI/LIR Symposium on Mobile Technologies

22 November 2012

What follows may not conform with your precise definition of ‘the truth’

It’s not about the tech

(it really isn’t)

(but aren’t we all just a little guilty of this sometimes?)

Techno determinism

(or)

why do we do the things we do?

Innovations in libraries link to technology

“We want our librarians managing information, not servers”

[paraphrased very loosely from Michael Dula, Pepperdine University Libraries (CA)]

You never know a game changer..

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/pc/docs/article/990917/sony_m10.jpg

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17m6fje3utekkjpg/original.jpg

..until its changed the game

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/04/09/ipod.png

..but guard against complacency

Enda Guinan (@endaguinan) 16/11/2012 22:50The disruptive emergence of the mp3 was a long

overdue kick up the arse for the music ind. and cynical marketing.

...and mobile isn't going anywhere

“...but key indicators point to profound implications for delivery of information, access to services, shifts in

the demographics of connected users, and broadband access business models.

Libraries are uniquely positioned to advocate for the responsible evolution of mobile connectivity, and I

would argue are duty-bound to move aggressively into provision of

library services in the mobile realm...”Hanson C. Chapter 1: Why Worry about Mobile?. Library Technology Reports [serial online].

February 2011;47(2):5-10. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20, 2012.

So: why do we do the things we do?

If we are a service

Then mobile is all about the service

• Finding resources• Alternate formats• Enhanced formats• Expansion of off campus

Mobile helps find..

Then mobile is all about the service

• Finding resources• Alternate formats• Enhanced formats• Less traditional media

Alternate format

Alternate format – audio over mobile

Format, not tech

Then mobile is all about the service

• Finding resources• Alternate formats• Enhanced formats• Less traditional media

Mobile enhances..

Then mobile is all about the service

• Finding resources• Alternate formats• Enhanced formats• Less traditional media

Less traditional?

Less traditional media

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ludwig-ii-walking-in-footsteps/id463331755?mt=8

Less

trad

ition

al?

Its not just books

• By 2016, it is estimated that two thirds of all mobile data traffic will be video

• What does this mean for us?– Boxee– Box of Broadcasts– planetestream

Conclusion:

• Mobile is here to stay• Students want this – we have to be able to provide it.• Get the idea, then figure out how to do it• It doesn't have to split the atom• Don’t assume someone else has done it – but if they

have, steal it*• the medium, is NOT the message

*ask permission off a grown up first

Thank you

Hugh MurphyHugh.murphy@nuim.ie@hughtweet