Using Mobile Technology to Deliver Library Services: A Handbook

As mobile devices proliferate and the services and apps available increase exponentially, the average person expects information to be delivered to their mobile with minimum fuss and effort. Adapting to this new environment, as an information service, is essential for survival but also offers opportunities to grow and strengthen relationships with users.

Packed with easy to implement ideas, practical examples and international case studies, this provides you with the ultimate toolkit, exploring ideas as simple as renewals and reminders to the more complex such as access to e-books and virtual worlds. Jargon-free coverage of the background and context to mobile delivery will enable you to fully understand the challenges and embrace the opportunities, getting to grips with critical issues such as what sort of services users really want.

Key topics covered include:
• context including market penetration, range and functionality of devices
• texting
• apps vs. mobile websites
• mobile information literacy vs. other information literacies
• mobiles in teaching
• linking the physical and virtual worlds via mobile devices
• E-books for mobiles
• the future of mobile delivery

This is an essential practical guide for all information professionals who want to get to grips with or improve their use of mobile services. It would also be invaluable for museum staff facing the same challenges. LIS students and academics will find it a useful introduction to the topic