Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide

by Ben Rawlins

Overview

The ever expanding usage of mobile technologies has dramatically changed how we access information and how we as a society expect to access information. With mobile technologies becoming available to an increasing majority of the population, users are constantly connected to information.

The rapid expansion of mobile technology has had a profound impact on many different sectors, industries, and institutions, among those that have been affected are libraries. With more users expecting access to information and resources in a mobile optimized format, libraries have had to adapt to meet the needs of users. This has entailed evaluating various library services and resources to determine how to best meet the needs of mobile users. Additionally, mobile technology has changed the way that websites are designed, and has led to an increasing popular type of web design know as responsive web design (RWD). This enables web developers to design websites with one code base that are optimized for a wide range of devices from desktop computers to smartphones. Libraries must keep their mobile services current or risk becoming obsolete.

Based on research, examples, and experience using mobile technology, this book will include topics such as:

The impact of mobile technologyMobile technology and the Digital DivideImplications for library staff and vendorsResponsive Web DesignWearable technology in library services

Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide is written for library staff interested in how mobile technologies have changed the way we access, and expect to access, information, as well as how libraries can incorporate and adapt to mobile technology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442264250
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/08/2016
Series:	LITA Guides
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Ben Rawlins is the Director of Library Services at the Ensor Learning Resource Center at Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY. In addition to his role as Director, Ben is in charge of the library’s website, mobile presence, and other digital services. He has developed several mobile websites and applications for the iOS and Android operating systems. He has presented at several national conferences including the LITA National Forum, ALA Midwinter, ALA Annual, Computers in Libraries, and the Handheld Librarian Conference on a variety of topics related to mobile services in libraries. He is the author of the book Mobile Devices: A Practical Guide for Librarians and has co-authored articles that have been published in Kentucky Libraries, The Reference Librarian, and Mobile Library Services: Best Practices. In addition to his Masters in Library and Information Science, Ben also holds a MA in History. He can be reached at [e-mail].

Table of Contents

List of Figures ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

1 The Impact of Mobile Technology 1

2 The Digital Divide, Libraries, and Mobile Devices 15

3 Mobile Technology and Library Services 27

4 Social Media, Mobile Technology, and Libraries 43

5 Responsive Web Design 57

6 What Library Vendors Are Offering 73

7 Wearable Technology 91

8 The Future of Mobile Technology 103

Index 117

About the Author 119

Editorial Reviews

Mobile Technology in Libraries is full of information about how to manage the devices and technologies that are increasingly handheld and mobile these days. The chapter on wearable technology alone is worth the price of the book - it, as in the other chapters in the book, contains a wealth of information about how libraries can understand and make use of these technologies in libraries. This book can show any librarian some really great ideas on how to incorporate mobile technology into their library - or just help them understand how their patrons use it a bit better.” —Robin Hastings, Director of Technology Services at NEKLS (Northeast Kansas Library System)

“Rawlins has written a perfect primer for library administrators, trustees, and friends on the current state of mobile technologies in libraries and some of the many possibilities for the future. Providing a solid background and just enough technical detail, Rawlins offers information to help decision-makers ask better questions of vendors and library staff when considering new tools or services. The chapter on how mobile devices have an impact on the digital divide is particularly useful for reasons to expand services.” —Jennifer Koerber, Trainer and co-author of Emerging Technologies: a Primer for Librarians

From the Publisher

Rawlins has written a perfect primer for library administrators, trustees, and friends on the current state of mobile technologies in libraries and some of the many possibilities for the future. Providing a solid background and just enough technical detail, Rawlins offers information to help decision-makers ask better questions of vendors and library staff when considering new tools or services. The chapter on how mobile devices have an impact on the digital divide is particularly useful for reasons to expand services.

Jennifer Koerber

Mobile Technology in Libraries is full of information about how to manage the devices and technologies that are increasingly handheld and mobile these days. The chapter on wearable technology alone is worth the price of the book - it, as in the other chapters in the book, contains a wealth of information about how libraries can understand and make use of these technologies in libraries. This book can show any librarian some really great ideas on how to incorporate mobile technology into their library - or just help them understand how their patrons use it a bit better.

Robin Hastings