Mobile Based Library Services
Dr. Margam MadhusudhanAssociate Professor
University of Delhi
Email : [email protected]
The Change Agents
• We are in the so called “Age of Smart Phones and Tablets.
• Mobile technology has made dramatic changes in users’ way of
accessing information.
• Opens the door for a new kind of learning.
• Mobile computing presents a golden opportunity for libraries to
provide services and connect with users anywhere and anytime.
• Anytime, anywhere, any device - Our Library on your Mobile
Phone.
• Practice of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and access our
library resources.
Mobile Technology
Use of small-size portable devices
Means to handheld devices i.e., Smartphones and Tablets
Directly referred to mobile devices with cellular and / or wireless connectivity
Improve access to library resources and services for everyone
What library users like?
Speed, Convenience, Portability
Fast and Easy Navigation
Access information immediately without having to look for a computer
Library Apps and not to use web browser
WhatsApp Quick Response
CodesMobile Based Library Services
Mobile Based Library Services…
Mobile Library Site
MOPAC – Mobile Version OPAC
Circulation Services
Reference Enquiry Services
CAS & SDI
Distribution of e-Resources
SMS Alert Services
Library Maps and Floor Plans
Library News, Events and Blogs
Mobile Databases
List of New Arrivals
Inter Library Loan Service
Books and Articles Search
Library Hours and Library Tours
Mobile Based Library Services
Mobile Library Website…
Check your site at: http://www.responsinator.com/
Mobile Library Website
Adopted from Rachel Vacek & Berika Williams (2011)
Examples of Mobile Library Websites
• Virginia Tech. University Libraries - http://m.lib.vt.edu
• Adelphi University Libraries Mobile - http://m.adelphi.edu/library
• Albertsons Library, Boise State University -
http://library.boisestate.edu/m
• WorldCat - https://www.worldcat.org/
• North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries -
https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/
Check above sites at: http://www.responsinator.com/
Mobile OPAC
• Search box and
button
• Search type
options
• Author and title
• Call number and
location
• Cover image
• Status of book
OPAC Search @ WorldCat
Source: http://www.responsinator.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldcat.org%2F
Mobile Library Apps
SMS Library Alerts
SMS Notification Services
SMS ReferenceNew Ask-a-Librarian Services offer mobile patrons the ability to text in their
research questions from afar.
Source: https://libraryh3lp.com/text-a-librarian
Text Messages : Example
QR Codes are used to
Generate QR Codes for Website URL
YouTube Video
Image File
PDF File
Google Maps Location
App Store Download
iTunes Link
Dropbox
Plain Text
Telephone Number
Skype Call
SMS Message
Email Address
Email Message
Contact Details
Digital Business Card
Attendance Tracking
Event (VCALENDAR)
Wi-Fi Login
Paypal Buy Now Link
Many more…
Use of QR Codes in Library Services
Library Services
SMS Alert &
MOPAC
Email &
Phone
No.
Reference &
Library Resources
Wi-Fi
Access &
Geo-Location
Events &
URLs
Twitter &
Tweets
Mobile Library Media Collection
Mobile Collection: Delivery Methods
Audio
References
Google Books
Overdrive
Mobile Library Instructions Libraries have begun distributing their knowledge and expertise about library
systems and materials via MP3 and video files that patrons can take with them.
Augmented Reality Technology which allows the perception of the physical world to be enhanced or
modified by computer-generated stimuli perceived with the aid of special equipment.
Most frequently, this is achieved by viewing surroundings through the camera of a
smartphone or tablet.
In library atmosphere it can help in the following ways:
Benefits of Augmented Reality
1 • Supports contextual and situational learning
2• Ubiquitous and timely access to information
3• Streamlines workflows
4• Patrons engage with new technologies
5 • Information is provided at the point of need
Mobile AR will…change not only the way humans interact with machines but also the way
humans interact with their environment. - Forrester Research
AR Shelf Reading App Flags
Misplaced Books
Mobile Library Tours
• Libraries are making guided tours more convenient for patrons with
busy schedules by offering self-service audio tours for handheld
devices.
• Rather than asking patrons to schedule an appointment in advance or
learn to utilize a new technology, these new audio tours make the
most of patrons’ MP3 players and cell phones to impart information.
Mobile Library Tours
• Libraries are making guided tours
and self-service audio tours for
handheld devices.
• Audio tours make the most of
patrons’ MP3 players
• Library Orientation
• Information Literary Programmes
• Directional/Virtual Tours of
• Library facilities
• Library Services
• Video Tutorials, Instructional
videos
Mobile Databases - Examples
Mobile Database Publishers
PubMed Access MyLibrary - Gale
Mobile Databases – Go
Everywhere You Go• EBSCO host
• Allows users to read articles on their
smartphones as HTML or PDF and
to email articles as attachment
• Image quick view option allows
thumbnail images such as charts,
photos, maps and illustrations
• Implement, maintain and host your
apps
• Visit: https://cloud.ebsco.com/cloud-
services
• Endnote
www.endnote.com
• Factiva Mobile
http://mobile.beta.factiva.com
• Westlaw Mobile
http://wl-w.com
• Hoover’s Mobile
http://mobile.hoovers.com
• PubMed for Handhelds
http://pubmedhh.nlm.nih.gov
Mobile Services for Visual and
Hearing Impaired• Another important use of the mobile technology is for special libraries to use the
devices to assist the persons with special abilities like visual or hearing.
• Many such people are often unable to access because there is no special interface
for them.
• Mobile devices such as smartphones which have screen readers that can help the
disabled to access information.
• Visual or vibrating alerts, relay services and hearing aid compatibility devices
make mobile phones accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing, while features
such as voice recognition and auto text are needed by those with physical
disabilities.
Geo-Location used for Personalized
Tours
Benefits of Mobile Based Library Services
Interactive Capabilities
User Friendly
Ability to Access
Information
Time Saving
User Participation
Location Awareness
Limitless Access
Mobile Based Library Services: Issues
Privacy concerns
Digital Content Issues
Skilled LIS Professionals
What is missing?
Free Wi-Fi Facilities
Mobile Library Website/Apps
Accessing articles/databases
via Mobile Devices
Subscription models with
simplified authentication/access
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What is missing?
Mobile Apps
Dealing with paper-based contents
Mobile based Library Services
QR codes and WhatsApp based Library Services
ENHANCEMENT
OF
LIBRARY SERVICES
Enhancement of Library Services
Mobile Databases
Mobile Library Instructions
Reference/Notifications Services Mobile Reference Services
Library Collection Mobile Library Collection
Databases
Library Instructions
Library Website Mobile/Responsive Website
Library OPAC Mobile OPAC
Hyperlinks Mobile Apps
Barcodes Q R Codes
Physical Maps Mobile Maps
Library Tours Mobile Library Tours
Mobile Based Library Services
Mobile Library Service: Tools…
• Mobirise AMP
• <www.mobirise.net>Mobirise AMP
• All mobile devicesSystem
Requirements
• Build your own libraryresponsive website.
• Fast, free and withoutcoding!
Description
Mobile Library Services: Tools…
• Boopsie (Paid) Mobile platform-as-a-service.
• <www.boopsie.com>Boopsie
• Mobile devices. System
Requirements
• Cloud-based customized mobile appespecially designed for libraries withsearch capability and support for allmajor ILMS.
Description
• H P Autonomy (Free) <www.aurasma.com>
Aurasma
• Apple iOS and Android.System
Requirements
• Image recognition technology uses asmartphone’s or tablet’s camera torecognize real world images and thenoverlay media on top of them in the formof animations, videos, 3D models andweb pages.
Description
Mobile Library Services: Tools…
• The Third Iron - Free Subscription
• <www.thirdiron.com>Browzine
• Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire System
Requirements
• The application makes browsingand reading a journal easy onmobile devices.
Description
Mobile Library Services: Tools…
• Library Thing for Libraries (Subscription)
• <www.librarything.com/forlibraries>Library Anywhere
• Apple iOS and Android. Any OS for Universal mobile web version
System Requirements
• User can search the library catalogue, placeholds on items, and have access to librarydatabases. Users can also find library hoursand locations, including bookmobile stops,send questions to library staff members, andfind information about events happenings atthe library.
Description
Mobile Library Services: Tools…
• Appy Pie (Subscription & Free demo for 2 days)
• <https://www.appypie.com/convert-website-to-mobile-apps>
AppyPie
• Native Android and iOS Mobile App.
System Requirements
• Convert your library Website to Appwithout coding.
• Add features like blog, payment, etc.
• Publish your website app to app stores.
Description
Mobile Library Services: Tools
Conclusion
• Another vehicle for code based information
• Enhance connections between patrons and libraries.
Mobile
• Libraries in Hand trend
• Access the library resources with simple a scan of a code
• Increase ROI both Print and online collection
Library• Now we go where
you go – Any Phone, Any Network.
• Open the door for information on the go
Services
• Madhusudhan, M and Saleeq Ahmad Dar "Mobile Information Services and Initiatives in
University Libraries: A New Way of Delivering Information."DESIDOC Journal of Library &
Information Technology 37.2(2017):109-118.
• Saleeq Ahmad Dar and Madhusudhan, M. "Leveraging Mobile Devices in Enhancing
Information Services: Perception of students in different Universities of Delhi.” World Digital
Libraries, 11.1 (2018):29-40.
• Kumbhar, S.S and Pawar, Rohan R. Mobile Based Services: Application and Challenges.
To all the authors/ universities/websites/libraries, who’s original works are cited in
above articles/created/used in the form of citations, images, QR codes and
screenshots in this presentation are for better illustration/understanding and also for
academic purpose only.
Acknowledgements
THANK YOU