Mobile Applications and Technologies for Libraries: An Overview

Anil Kumar Jharotia

Librarian, Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies
[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The mobile applications and technology has changed the way one connects and interacts with
the world and mobile library services can meet people's needs for information in a fast-paced
society. The objective of this paper is to shows the major library and information services
provided by using mobile technology to satisfy the information needs of variant users. The
paper discusses important mobile devices in library and information services. The paper
highlights an introductory view about library and information services on mobile devices. It
attempts to identify key issues including factors affecting implementation of mobile
technologies. Mobile technology will bring about a paradigm shift from the traditional
methods of information delivery and integrate ICT as an essential component in every days
lives. This paper implied that academic libraries would find mobile technologies to be the
ideal tools for bringing reluctant users to the library, mainly for their convenience and
suggested the measures. The paper concluded that the mobile technology and applications
have become boon to libraries.

Keywords: ICT, Mobile Technology, Mobile Applications, Library Services and M-

Learning.

INTRODUCTION
The paper defines what the Mobile Technology is, how the traditional library services are
now moving to mobile library information services. A library may reach the remote users
effectively by adopting of mobile technology in its services. Now users expecting, or
preferring, to do things online that would previously have required a visit to the library in
person.
Mobile technology is a wireless technology that work with radio waves and can be carried
about and used anywhere. The wireless technology and mobile phones are becoming an
integral part of everyday life and are changing the way one connects and interacts with the
world.
Mobile phones have operating systems to run applications, access the internet, allow
downloads, support multiple e-mail accounts, create and edit documents, create playlists and
even provide location/direction via GPS. Mobile phones capable of accessing the internet to
current day ‘super phones’ with capabilities equivalent to minicomputers and laptops.
(Wikipedia 2011).

Telecommunication technology is developing at such a rapid speed with wireless

communication standards and capabilities evolving rapidly across the spectrum. The first
generation (1G) standard for voice was developed in 1979. This was followed by the second
generation (2G) standard using global system for mobile communications in 1992. The most
recent standard that followed is called 3rd Generation (3G). 3rd Generation networks are fully
operated in many countries across the world.

We consider mobile technologies; the first device that comes to mind has to be the cell phone
or the smart phone. Beginning to the mobile technology in the library can want to have a
mobile-based website or a mobile application ‘app’ that reads well on small screens. These
sites or apps do not need too much web design knowledge because well-designed mobile sites
do not have complicated code or scripting languages and can be designed in-house.

Fig.1: Mobile Video Communication

Mobile technologies have made communication and information access very convenient and
timely to users from the comfort of their own homes and offices, and from wherever they are
while on the move with their cellular phone units or PDAs (personal digital assistants). The
new ways of working afforded by mobile technologies are often characterized in terms of
access to information and people anytime, anywhere.
With advancements in technology and the rise in mobile phone use, people are taking
advantage of being connected to data wherever they are. Mobile phones aren’t just phones
anymore: they can access e-mail, search the Web, video chat, and play games. Even mobile
devices like iPad and iPod touch can bring social media, productivity tools, and entertainment
literally into the palm of your hand.
Therefore, libraries should be exploring mobile devices as a way to connect with patrons.
Creating a library application (“app”) or mobile Web site that allows patrons to access library
hours, view their library account or even search databases is easier than most people think.
Mobile technologies are becoming an increasingly important and popular in how we search,
access, and interact with information. Libraries around the world are meeting this change
head on by adapting our services and collections to the proliferation of mobile devices.
Mobile technologies being used in libraries for Library resources that are mobile access to
library collections such as e-books, e-journals, and special collections, that are supporting or
extending traditional library services like reference enquiries and circulation, using mobile
technologies.
Mobile technology has changed everyone’s workflows, with many researchers and students
now expecting, or preferring, to do things online that would previously have required a visit
to the library in person. These activities could include:
  Accessing their library account
 Finding and saving references for reading or citing, now or at a later date
 Reading abstracts
 Reading the full digital content, such as journal articles or eBooks, that they would
normally read on their desktop
 Searching OPACs for resources

Library professionals provide library services or other assistance via mobile devices through
e-mail, chat, instant messaging, or SMS text. Instant messaging, chat, and text lend
themselves to mobile access because they are designed for the relatively short exchange that
people typically use when communicating with a handheld device. Offering reference
services using SMS text and chat in particular are relatively easy for libraries to employ
because there are many free services to support them.

WHY LIBRARIES GO WITH MOBILE TECHNOLOGY?

 It is easier to access
 It provides content ubiquitous
 It makes able to access new services
 It enables patron to connect via new medium
 It three times more capable than personal computer
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to shows the major library and information services provided by
using mobile application and technology to satisfy the information needs of variant users.

MOBILE DEVICES IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Mobile Phones: The mobile phones are not only a phone portal to mobile outreach. Library
and information professionals who used more traditional cell phones can consider text
reference for their mobile outreach programs. With Google Voice and library-based options
such as MyInfoQuest and Mosio’s Text a Library and information professionals can set up a
text reference service that can help in handle ready reference questions or even more
complicated questions quickly and easily.

Electronic textbooks: E-readers and tablets have new features that allow students to
highlight and add annotations to the text, just as they would with paper texts. They give
students the capability to link to additional information.

E-readers: Due to the popularity of Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook. The
latest generation takes content delivery to new levels, allowing for wireless browsing,
purchasing, and delivery of content through these devices.

MP3 players: An iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player mobile devices can use in library for
audio and/or video tours. With an iPod or MP3 player, users can explore the library at their
convenience, concentrating on the parts of the collection most relevant to their needs.
Tablets: Tablets or Tablet PCs can be used in various activities for example searching
databases, downloading articles, and perusing the catalog either through apps or tablet-
formatted websites. The overall utility of tablets also makes them an ideal device for
accessing a variety of documents, including e-books, e-journals and e-databases etc. Their
ability to play audiovisual materials and their web connectivity could signal a new form of
academic text that is both immersive and interactive.

Tablets can also used on-the-spot reference services. The user can access the library’s
resources conviently through tablets while away from the reference desk. The design of the
recent generation of tablets with Flash web technology can provide accessing some websites,
especially video sites.

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES THROUGH MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

 A large collection of audio books both free-and subscription based services are
available for download and also transferable to mobile devices.
 Ability to access information from anywhere at any time will be of great help for
users who cannot visit library in person and provides a constant link to required
information resources.
 Academic libraries can support distance learning, formal education, and research
activities through mobile devices
 Mobile communication enables libraries to offer location-based services/content
through global positioning system (GPS) capabilities. Libraries can guide the users to
the location of specific document or service through maps and navigational tools
 Mobile phones make ILL/document delivery services faster and cut-down the time to
request/visit different libraries and complement the geographically remote users.
 Mobile Optimized Library WebPages
 Mobile users are using the facilities on mobile phones like SMS, instant messaging,
web browsing, e-mail effortlessly to communicate. Most of the features are pre-
installed on mobile devices or option for data plan packages.
 Libraries can enrich OPAC by allowing users to incorporate user created content like
notes or images uploaded by users.
 Limitless access all online resources accessible on their desktop also become
accessible through mobiles.
 The mobile devices can further appreciate the service with instant answers like
definitions, meanings and other information from digital libraries and web.
 Some publishers are already delivering e-books (both text and audio) that are
accessible via mobile phones.
 Libraries can make use of multimedia messaging service (MMS) on mobile devices to
share photos, videos, and audio.
 One can get today’s news on their mobiles either by accessing the web portals or SMS
text messaging on their mobile phones.
  Library tours, instruction/induction/orientation programs have been quite significant
in bringing the nonusers to libraries and also help the remotely located or users
located in different geographical locations.
 Library users, who don’t have time or inclination to attend an on-site workshop, can
get access to library tours on their mobile devices. Online Library Catalogs on Mobile
Phones.
 To provide location-based services, libraries have to use mobile telecommunication
system, the internet/web-based OPAC on intranet and geographic system like GPS.
 Personalized service helps users to interact with library staff to seek specific
information or reference away from library
 QR Codes on Mobiles QR code6 stands for ‘quick response’, and basically two-
dimensional bar codes that can contain any alphanumeric text and often used to store
urls, text, etc., known as ‘mobile tagging’.
 Users need not record information about resources while browsing and searching
library resources or wait at library transaction counter to renew/reserve books and
hence the time of the user is saved.
 User-friendly aid familiarity with their own devices and technology helps the users in
accessing information quickly and does not require orientation and training.
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES ON MOBILE DEVICES
Library mobile services included access to new titles, e-resources updates, catalogue
searching, booking rooms and PCs, contacts, events and databases optimized for mobile use,
enables users to search for library materials, see the cover image, read a summary, obtain
item availability information, find out which bookshelf the item is on using floor maps,
provide feedback on the item and save the item information for future reference. The
Library's opening hours, news, floor plans and subject guides are also easily accessible on
mobile phones. SMS service libraries became more interested in using this service when it
became possible to send SMS to an email service. This service expected by library users,
their SMS reference service was predominantly managed by the library with little or no
involvement from their IT department. The use of iPods, iPhones, Tablets, TabletsPc and
MP3 players to provide an audio tour. In academic libraries, the commonly demanded
services on mobile devices include: catalogue searching, SMS/text a librarian, locating
spaces, booking computers and rooms, location based services, payments, mobile emails,
instant messaging and videos. Mobile devices are fast becoming users’ first choice of access.
(Gartner 2011).
The libraries have been quick to concentrate library services through use of mobile devices as
SMS service, service lending out eBook readers, the resources to develop its own apps unique
to their users, catalogue searching, providing patron account and basic library information, to
allowing users to scan a book anywhere, check for availability at their home library and then
put a hold on the item.

Libraries Can Provide The Following Specific Services On Mobile Devices:

 Academic affairs administration: provides the latest news and notices from a
university. Users can select a menu and see results that are designed specifically for
mobile viewing email notices of new books and journal articles, set up preferences for
catalogue searching, etc.

 e-Contents: offers access to a variety of databases and digital resources such as e-

Books, e-Journals,Web databases, dissertations, and article databases. Users can get
fast relevant answers whenever needed with e-Contents Search, search designed just
for mobile user.

 Library guide: gives users the best of library guide information such as library use
guide, question answering service, and library statistics delivering rich content in a
way that works best for users. If users have questions and want to contact the library
professionals for help, they can get a fast response from the library via the mobile
device and find the appropriate information needed.

 Mobile-based Library Lending Service: Libraries can formulate regulations for

using mobiles for circulation of reading materials and maintenance of users account.
Mobile phones make ILL/document delivery services faster and cut-down the time to
request/visit different libraries and complement the geographically remote users.
Provides the following services such as lending extension/inquiry, return
information/inquiry, interlibrary loan requests, SDI service application, email service
of academic journals, database use education application, etc. The library is a personal
library space where users can find information and resources of their choosing. Users
can read alerts, check records, renew resources, request items, track interlibrary loans
and document delivery requests, set up future application and work in mobile library
services.

Fig.2: Mobile based Services

 News and Events: Information on job openings, varieties of scholarly competition,

library events such as orientations program, stock verification, book recall, lectures on
 special topic, news in relation to scholarly work, awards and so on can be given using
mobile devices in order to update the user’s knowledge short messages regarding the
library events and news can be sent to the users personally.

 Notice: provide the latest news, notices and reach users wherever they might be via
SMS and MMS from libraries. Users can get notified instantly with notice alerts:
alerts on overdue books, outstanding fines, reminders to return library items, library
event information, etc.

 In-house search: accesses a variety of library-owned resources and databases. Users

can just enter search terms and see results that are designed specifically for mobile
viewing. This service includes OPAC (online public access catalogue), integrated
search, and original document search.

 SMS Alert Service: Existing e-mail alert services like bringing new books to the
notice of users for suggestion, intimation of arrival of indented documents by users,
informing availability of reserved documents for collection, appraising about
which/when books are overdue, library circulars, e-journals subscribed, change in
timings, information about important events, etc., can be upgraded by sending through
SMS alert services. SMS messages can be sent to group of users simultaneously
through many free applications, and intermediary websites/clients. To send SMS to
collect the requested books, Acknowledging the user about renewal of a book., OPAC
service, Users may request the opening and closing hours of the library.

 Suggest a purchase: Library professionals can receive the suggestions from the
users sent via mobile phones. In such cases users need not to visit the libraries and
write the requirements in a register.

 Location of the library: Users might be provided with virtual tours of the library
sections and their services.

 Audio Tour: Libraries even can provide audio tour of a library.

 New Title Preview: Mobile gadgets can be used to disseminate the information
about newly acquired documents which are of irrespective of forms.

 Image Services: The Image Services in a library might offer a number of high
quality, fee based photographic and document imaging services including digitized
photographs, diagrams, maps, photos of places of national importance.

 Research consultation and instruction: It is a kind of customer care service.

Research scholars may have an interaction with the library staff to get the consultation
and get suggestions via mobile phones.

 Catalogue search: Libraries can provide their catalogue on the mobile devices.

 Journal finder: Library Journal Finder provides access to full text journal,
magazine, and newspaper content as well as links to titles held in print.

 Reference service: Library users can ask library professionals anything through the
live chat and texting with mobiles. The reference services can be provided with the
help of sending and receiving SMS. Immediate feedback is also possible from the
user’s side.
  Wi-fi - Internet Access: Mobile phones are available with 3G facility. Libraries can
offer wi-fi facility to access electronic information sources.

MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR LEARNING

 Classics—23,469 Books to Go. Large collection of free classic literature packaged in

an elegant and intuitive interface. Authors include Aristotle, Charles Dickens, Plato,
and Oscar Wilde. By Spreadsong, Inc., Classics works with iPhone, iPod touch, and
iPad. Price: Free. Access: http://spreadsong.com.
 Dropbox. Store, sync, and share files online and across computers. Access your
Dropbox, download files for offline viewing, and sync photos and videos to your
Dropbox from your mobile device. Dropbox works with iPhone, iPad, Android, and
BlackBerry. Access: https://www.dropbox.com/anywhere.
 Evernote. Create text, video, and audio memos. All content within Evernote is
searchable, including text within snapshots. Notes can be synchronized to Mac, PC,
and Web. Evernote works with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Palm,
and Windows Mobile. Price: Free. Access:http://www.evernote.com/about/download/.
 History: Maps of the World. This app by Seung-Bin Cho showcases high-resolution
historical maps of the world from the 4th to the 20th centuries. Features include
category/era views and keyword search. History: Maps of the World works with
iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/history-maps-of-world/id303282377.
 iSSRN. Created by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), iSSRN provides
access to more than 260,000 research papers in the social sciences and humanities
from scholars worldwide. Articles can be e-mailed or viewed on the device. iSSRN
works with iPhone and iPod touch. Price: Free. Access:
http://ssrnblog.com/2009/11/19/ssrns-iphone-app-issrn-is-available/.
 Library of Congress (LOC). Official app for LOC offers a virtual tour of the Main
Reading Room, Great Hall, and Thomas Jefferson’s Library, as well as exhibition
highlights. Includes photos, video, and audio. Access:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/library-of-congress-virtual/id380309745.
 Meebo Mobile. Chat with friends or even monitor your library’s chat service while
on-the-go. Meebo aggregates multiple chat accounts into a single, easy-to-use
interface. Meebo Mobile works with iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry. Access:
http://www.meebo.com/meebomobile/.
 Fig.3 : Mobile Technology used in library

 OECD Factbook 2010. Created by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development, this app presents current economic, social, and environmental statistics.
The data is organized into 12 categories, such as Population and Migration,
Production and Income, Labour, Science and Technology, and more. Each category
offers a range of specific sub-topics with data organized into tables. OECD Factbook
2010 works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://www.oecd.org/publications/factbook.
 Periodic Table Explorer. By Paul Alan Freshney, this app contains in-depth
information about all of the elements in the periodic table, including their compounds,
physical properties, isotopes, spectra, and reactions. Also includes images of each
element. Periodic Table Explorer works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price:
Free. Access: http://freshney.org/apps/pte.htm.
 Planets. This app by Q Continuum uses current location to display detailed view of
the sky. Provides location of the sun, moon, and planets; star and constellation maps;
and future and current moon phases. Viewing options such as the sky in 2D, 3D, and
planet visibility are available. Planets works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price:
Free. Access: http://www.qcontinuum.org/planets/.
 Shakespeare. This application by Readdle offers the full-text of 40 Shakespeare
plays, 6 poems, and 154 sonnets. Includes a searchable concordance. Shakespeare
works with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://readdle.com/shakespeare.
 TED. This app by TED Conferences contains the entire TEDTalks library of more
than 700 video presentations. Ability to sort by recency, popularity, tags, or themes.
 Save talks for offline viewing. TED works with the iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ted/id376183339.
 USA Factbook Free. Features facts about all 50 U.S. states, maps with state names,
U.S. Anthem with lyrics, U.S. Documents (including the Declaration of
Independence), and more. By ADS Software Group, Inc. USA Factbook Free works
with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/usa-factbook-free/id305888083.
 WordWeb Dictionary. Extensive English dictionary and thesaurus that includes
more than 285,000 words, phrases, and derived forms. A separate audio version is
also available for $1.99. By WordWeb Software, WordWeb Dictionary works with
iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Price: Free. Access:
http://www.wordwebsoftware.com/WordWebiPhone.html.

CREATING MOBILE WEB SITES, OPACS, AND APPLICATIONS

 Android Developers. Resources for creating Android applications. Includes

developer’s guide, tutorials, and videos. Access: http://developer.android.com

Fig.4: Mobile Apps

 AirPac (Innovative Interfaces). Offers a mobile version of the Innovative Interfaces

(III) library catalog. Includes features such as cover images, integrated library
locations with Google Maps software, request and renew items, and more. Contact
Innovative Interfaces for pricing. Access: http://www.iii.com/products/airpac.shtml.
 Boopsie. Specializing in public and academic libraries and universities, Boopsie can
deliver mobile applications that are compatible with all Web-enabled phones. Contact
the site for a price quote. Access: http://www.boopsie2.com/.
 Create an iPhone Optimised Website using JQTouch. Freelance Web Designer
and Developer Matthew Leak outlines one way to create an iPhone-friendly version of
a Web site. Coding examples are included in this tutorial. Access:
http://www.tuttoaster.com/create-an-iphone-optimised-website-using-jqtouch/.
  Library Anywhere. Created and sold through LibraryThing, Library Anywhere is a
mobile catalog for any library. Includes mobile Web and apps for iPhone, Blackberry,
and Android. Prices range from $150 annually for schools to $1,000 annually for
universities (additional fees may apply). Access:
http://www.librarything.com/forlibraries.
 MobileTuts+. Tutorials for all mobile developers, regardless of platform. Topics
include techniques for building mobile apps and mobile Web sites. Access:
http://mobile.tutsplus.com/.
 MobiSiteGalore. Build a mobile Web site in less than 60 minutes. No technical or
programming knowledge required. Packages range from basic (cost: free) to unlimited
(cost: $24.99 per month). Access: http://www.mobisitegalore.com.
 MoFuse. Build a mobile version of an existing Web site or blog with the MoFuse
(short for Mobile Fusion) content management platform. Plans range from $7.95 per
month to $199 per month. All accounts come with a 14-day risk-free trial. Access:
http://mofuse.com/.
 Mobile Web Best Practices 1.0: Basic Guidelines. Created by the World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C), this document specifies guidelines for developing Web-based
content for mobile devices. Access: http://www.w3.org/TR/mobile-bp/.
 W3C MobileOK Checker. Validate mobile-optimized Web sites for compatibility
with current Web standards. Results include severity, category, and description of the
error along with best practices for fixing issues. Access: http://validator.w3.org.

SOME EXAMPLES OF MOBILE LIBRARY WEB SITES

 Adelphi University Libraries Mobile (AU2GO). Offers library hours, library staff
contact information, a link to the library’s blog “biBLIOGraphy,” and more. Access:
http://m.adelphi.edu/library/.
 Albertsons Library, Boise State University. Simple text navigation offers various
ways to find the library and its contents. An interesting feature is the inclusion of a
“Find in Our Building” category, which lists call number locations and popular
locations such as study rooms and computers, each linked to an animated floor map.
Access: http://library.boisestate.edu/m.
 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries. Elegant interface with icons
representing categories such as room reservations, group finder, and Webcams.
Another interesting feature is the ability to view the number of available library
computers. Access: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/m/home/?browse=iphone.
 PENNLibraries, University of Pennsylvania. A multitude of information at your
fingertips, such as mobile versions of databases, image search, library video clips, and
more. Access: http://www.library.upenn.edu/m/.
 Library Weblog (Library Dot Com). It is library professional’s weblog; users can
access it through mobile also.
 Fig.5: Library Weblog on Mobile (LIBRARY DOT COM)

It has directory of LIS professionals all over the world. Access:

http://www.librarydotcom.webs.com

 University of California Riverside Libraries. Glossy icons designate many useful

categories, including research guides, library workshops, and links to the library’s
social media profiles. Access: http://m.library.ucr.edu.
 Virginia Tech University Libraries. A simple but effective layout offers important
information, such as library hours, contact information, catalog search, and library
maps. Access: http://m.lib.vt.edu/.

ISSUES
There are still limitations, such as monochrome screens, difficulty with various file formats,
and restrictive content licensing. One area of digital content that academic libraries have
already had a major presence in has been electronic reserves. The primary challenge that
exists in this area is that unless the electronic reserve content is in a layout that can easily be
converted to an e-reader format, it can be difficult to make it clearly readable.

The greater challenge is to provide access to e-journals through mobile phones as the libraries
and publishers prefer authentication limited to campus wide IP address. Libraries must
convince the publishers to provide user id and password mode in addition to IP address based
authentication to access e-journals on mobiles.

While redesigning library must take into consideration the basic models of mobile phones to
the tablets with greater capabilities and functionalities as some of the iPhones and tablets are
compatible to access the web pages designed for larger screens. But the time taken to access
is more and downloading is very slow and expensive.

Users expect a high standard of digital content from a library, but traditional text layouts
designed for printed or desktop material are difficult to read on a smaller screen.
For a researcher, finding the desired academic content can be a complex process and
sometimes necessitates prior knowledge of how to go about getting to it.
Users need to be able to search a huge database, effectively, and without it slowing down
their connection.
Access must be restricted to library users only and these users may now not be physically on
site.
A diligent design, born of extensive user journey research and accompanied by appropriate
access permissions being put in place, is therefore of paramount importance in distilling often
complex library websites and systems into a mobile-friendly format.

However one cannot neglect the policies and standards of information security of the
organization. Since, the feature like ‘always on’ and continuous connectivity makes new
devices more vulnerable to security threats, the same need to be addressed cautiously before
setting up the library services for mobile devices.

SUGGESTIONS

 When library services provide through mobile devices, the set up should be such a
type so that a systems administrator or IT expert can be help in navigation of chat and
text services. For instance, when a text message arrives during a time when no one is
monitoring the service, a voicemail message automatically appears in library’s e-mail
account. Library professionals can find an enormous amount of advice on the web
about how to begin offering mobile-friendly reference, how to expand the virtual
reference services and how to choose among free and fee-based services for their
library’s budget and needs.

 In the libraries currently provide mobile access to resources, the library catalog is
most commonly offered and databases and assistance from library professionals are
next most frequently provided services. A few more interesting services as a library
locker reservations, a virtual suggestion box, alerts about database trials, an app that
lists new books, and using iPads, iphones, smartphones, tablets, tablet pcs or other
mobile devices may be include for roving reference. Using the latest mobile
technology in libraries will help to provide access to library materials for mobile
users.

 In light of trends toward more widespread use of mobile devices, it makes sense for
libraries to provide access to their collections and services in ways that work well
with mobile devices. Users are very interested in mobile access, even if they have not
yet purchased a mobile devices or find data plans to be too expensive at this point. We
have begun by implementing mobile applications that are available from vendors of
our online catalog and databases because these require minimal effort and no
additional cost. We present ideas for establishing an implementation team and advice
for academic libraries who wish to “go mobile.” We aim to have a concrete plan for
the work that will be required to optimize the library’s website for mobile access. A
significant step is hiring a digital services librarian to work closely with the
 webmaster, electronic resources librarian, and others interested in promoting access to
resources and services via mobile devices.

 The website must be redesigned to have fewer graphic, so that the page loads much
faster and with minimal keyboard operations, to ease the mobile user. In this context,
text-only websites are easier and faster to navigate and fabricate into new
applications.

 Online Library Catalogs on Mobile Phones Libraries are required to interact with the
software vendors to create mobile compatible WebOPACs4.

 Library websites and the content contained within libraries’ collections should render
well on a variety of mobile devices in order to continue to meet the needs of users.
Library professionals must be decided whether the content to be available purely
online, via a mobile site, or whether to create an interface that users can download to
their handheld device, from which to access content either online or offline.

 If the organization has its own secure and private enterprise IM network, libraries may
as well make use of these as they are more reliable and secure; or else use web-based
free instant messaging services from Google, America Online, Way2SMS, etc.

 Audio/ virtual library tours can be produced fairly quickly, inexpensively, and could
reduce the amount of staff time spent helping new users to orient themselves in the
library and explaining the facilities available. It can easily be provided both as
downloads from the library website and on mobile devices.

 Libraries can formulate regulations for using mobiles for circulation of reading
materials and maintenance of users account. This wireless solution enables staff to
assist patrons in the stacks, checkout materials while off site, such as at community or
campus events, and update inventory items while walking around the library.

FUTURE POTENTIALS OF MOBILE APPLICATION IN THE LIBRARIES

More and more changes are expected within four to five years in the field of mobile
technology and its application to the libraries, the day is not far when we will use phone to
read barcodes or RFIDs in the library and OPACs will develop GIS sensitivity and be able to
communicate with users through their mobiles for holds, fines, late notices, alerts, etc.

CONCLUSION
Libraries are moving forward in providing access to digital collections via mobile devices. In
the near future, more and more people will be able to experience digital collections in the
palm of their hand through a mobile phone. Already mobile phones are no longer a luxury,
but a necessity not only for simple voice or text communication, but also for accessing the
internet. Such connectivity seems to be the wave of the future. Mobile technology has
become boon to the libraries. A library may reach the remote users effectively by adopting of
mobile technology in its services. Mobile phones are inevitable tools for information
communication. Human beings in a society use mobile phone to communicate thoughts,
facts, conversations, in general, information. The dissemination of processed information is a
common factor in a civilized society. Mobile technology is fast becoming the preferred
method for connecting to the Internet, especially for people on the go. Library professionals
must keep pace with this trend and integrate themselves into the mobile realm if they wish to
deliver enhanced user services.
With the increased use of Internet through mobile, libraries are required to redesign their web
pages as mobile optimized interactive and participative library web pages to provide dynamic
information services to users on a 24X7 basis via mobile devices. The task of libraries is to
exploit new technology in a more effective way to promote and integrate them into the design
of future library services in a cost efficient manner.

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