Mobile Technology and Libraries

Mobile technology is a type of service that libraries offer to their patrons with mobile devices. Mobile devices and mobile internet have impacted the way that people locate and access information. As a result, the connection between libraries and their patrons has shifted. Mobile technology allows libraries to offer connection to patrons 24/7, which did not exist in the past. Now, patrons are looking to have a pocket library, so libraries around the world are responding by developing mobile services and apps to meet the needs of patrons. Source

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Globally, it is estimated that more than five billion people own mobile devices. With a mobile device, owners expect easy access to information anytime and anywhere. As a result, libraries have had to rethink the way technology is implemented in order to meet the needs of the patrons. Technology evolves at such a rapids pace. In order to keep up, libraries should develop a mobile technology plan and revisit it often to adjust for technology advancements. Source

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Libraries in Transition

There are major changes happening in the technology arena, which has a direct effect on libraries. Libraries still have their traditional patrons, however, many also have a new breed of patrons that are technologically savvy. These consumers of information are often looking to hook up to wi-fi, want to use library computers to access social networking sites, download e-books or music,, all while recharging their devices. Libraries have to figure out the best way to navigate through these changing times in order to provide the best access possible for both types of patrons.  David Lee King, author of How to Stay on Top of Emerging Technology Trends for Libraries, suggests that librarians start planning to future-proof their library by:

• Scanning the horizon for emerging trends. 

• Training customers and staff. Make sure staff know how to use a variety of consumer technology tools.

• If possible, setting up a technology petting zoo. If the budget allows, buy some technology tools and let staff learn hands on rather than learning with a customer. Source

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The Seattle Public Library has done an amazing job future-proofing 

their library and keeping up with emerging trends, like David Lee King mentioned.

Advantages of Mobile Technology for Library Patrons

• Search and access the library catalog anytime, anywhere
• Reduces accessibility barriers associated with physically visiting the library
• Access to patron accounts
• Library contact information and hours
• Library map
• Ask a Librarian feature
• Links to other mobile friendly websites and resources
• Reference tool for research
• Links to mobile enabled databases
• Information on how to contact the library (chat/SMS/phone/email)
• Links to mobile enabled web accounts such as Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Facebook
• Information on the availability of computers or work rooms
• News about library events
• Content for download such as ebooks or podcasts

Source

Get Access to Library Resources Anywhere at Anytime

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Where to Find Accessible E-Books

Project Gutenberg

Google Books

Many Books

Library eBook Accessibility Program

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“Understanding the Mobile Patron” presented by Stacks Chief Design Officer, Kevin Horek

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Mobile technology will continue to be utilized more and more in the library setting.

Mobile Technology and Libraries

OverDrive’s Libby App as a Resource for Users with Print Impairments

People with print impairments are recognized as one of the main user-groups of library audiobooks (Peters 6). OverDrive’s Libby app is a great resource for library patrons who are blind or print-impaired to access audiobooks from their local library. The Libby App is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows 10 and can be downloaded on a mobile device such as a tablet or a smartphone. Allowing users to access books “anytime, anywhere” means users with visual impairments will not even need to leave their homes to access the audiobooks from their local library. The app requires uses to have a valid library card in order to borrow e-books and audiobooks, but the app can also help those without a library card sign-up for one, through a feature launch in 2017 (Enis 24). This feature will let users confirm their residency without requiring a visit to a library branch (Enis) making it more accessible for the blind and the visually impaired. Below is a video tutorial on how to download and start borrowing books from your local library using the Libby App.

Works Cited

Enis, Matt. “OverDrive’s Libby App Card Sign-Up.” Library Journal, vol. 142, no. 14, Sept. 2017, pp. 24–28. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=125072869&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Peters, Tom, et al. “An OVERVIEW of DIGITAL AUDIOBOOKS for Libraries.” Computers in Libraries, vol. 25, no. 7, July 2005, pp. 6–64. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=17544515&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Mobile Technologies and Libraries

"Accessibility is not just a good idea, it's the law." (West 22).

"Globally, it is estimated that more than five billion people own mobile devices. That means that anytime, anywhere access is a global expectation for libraries to consider. Your library mobile technology strategy should focus on satisfying your library patrons as they browse your site from their mobile devices."

Libraries have websites where patrons can download ebooks and audio books at any time. Often there is a feature that will return the book on a due date so the patron does not need to worry about it.  Libraries also have databases where patrons can search for information of interest.

Information can be loaded onto many devices, iPhones, Android Phones, other smart phones, tablets, ereaders, and computers. Patrons can access information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Libraries are not open all those hours.

"Above all, it’s important to stay aware about assistive and adaptive culture and technology in the same way you’d keep on top of all the rest of your library technology.  Ask your patrons what they are using, and familiarize yourself with the community of experts who have deep knowledge about this topic." (West 24) 

Local Library Links:

San Diego County Public Library 

Escondido Public Library

San Diego Public Library

Works Cited:

west, jessamyn. “Accessibility Is More Than Curb Cuts and ALT Tags.” Computers in Libraries, vol. 36, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 22–24. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=112316569&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Library Mobile Technology - Trends, Insights and More
Technology | December 18, 2019

Google Books:

Google Books:

Google Books is the worlds’ most comprehensive index of full text books that you are able to download. It is a service that Google offers to anyone. Google Books also gives you the option of buying or borrowing any book that you are looking for. It also gives you links with information of where you can purchase or borrow a book. You can use Google books for research or just reading for pleasure. Magazines are also available since they have been scand and converted to text. Google books has a four access level of the books or magazines thhat are offered.

1.     Full view is where you can download the whole book.

2.     Pre-view is for print only and you are able to see what the publisher allows. It could be one chapter or two.

3.     Snippet view is two or three lines of text since Google doesn’t have permission to print or show anything regarding that book.

4.     No preview is book that has not been igitiedzed or scan into Google books and the only information that is available is like a library card catalog.

I personally have not used Google Books but it is something that I think I should look into since it seems like another source to do research.

Work Cited:

Google Search

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Mobile technology and libraries:

Mobile technology and libraries:

The way mobile technology changes the library experience it makes it easier for anyone who has a smart phone to be able to download ebooks onto their devices by using a downloadable app. With the apps on phones or tablets you can browse the library catalog of ebooks, 24/7 at all hours of the day or night, even when the Library is closed for the day.

Libby App

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Cloud Library

These are the apps that I use. Once they are downloaded to your smart phone or tablet it can be used to check out ebooks from public library that are connected to these apps. It is very easy to set up you just put in your library card information and a pass code and you are good to go. I like them because if I can’t find abook in one library I might find it at another. The only thing about this is that you need a library card for each of the libraries you plan to use. For example the Escondido Public Library  and the San Marcos  County Library use the my Libby app and I do have a library card for both libraries. The Cloud Library is for the San Diego Public Library and I also have card for that library.

 

Work Cited:

MMLIS Blog – Master of Mangement in Library and Information Science from

UCS Marshall School of Business and USC University of Southern California

https://librarysciencedegree.usc.edu/blog/how-mobile-technology-changes-the-library-experience/

This book is part of the Tech Set Books a total of ten books

Assistive technology and libraries:

When you go into a public library is nice to know that you can borrow Assistive Technology. Most libraries provide some Assistive Technology for patrons that have some sort of disability. Some older patrons who start losing their vision or their hearing feel that going to the library is no longer for them but with the libraries providing assistive technology like iPads that have apps that can help patrons that have hearing loss or vision loss. Some libraries provide training for staff so they can help patrons on how to use this type of technology. The school librarians should also be knowledgeable about how assistive technology is being used with students who have an IEP (Individual Education Program) in the school districts. School librarians could provide access to services for teachers to help their students.

   

      

These are assistive technology that a patron can use if they have trouble seeing. My son uses an iPad to do his homework in middle school but for his transition into High School it was put in place in his IEP, to make sure he gets a Chrome book for his use with his homework. I’m not sure if he is going to be aloud to bring it home, I know that my other kids used it at school to do most of their work.

Works Cited:

Using Assistive Technology to Meet Diverse Learners Needs

https://web-b-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=b35473a7-b51a-42e6-9e8e-0f057a8ae5ba%40pdc-v-sessmgr02&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=eric&AN=EJ960052

Kurtts, S., Dobbins, N., & Takemae, N. (2012). Using assistive technology to meet diverse learners      needs. Library Media Connection, 30(4), 22-23.

You Too! – Assistive Technology

http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=8c7da1cc-837f-4313-8a21-ec1296ca3bdd%40pdc-v-sessmgr06&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=132987735&db=a9h

Barden, M. (2018). You Too! - Assistive Technology. Library Journal, 143(19), 10.

Libraries and the digital divide:

Most of the articles that I have read and videos that I have seen all have one thing in common and that it says how Public Libraries help with the Digital Divide, by providing assistance to patrons who don’t have access to a router and modem at home or who can’t afford them. Public Libraries provided free Wi-Fi and access to electronic devices like a computer or laptop and Chromebooks even tablets. Where patron can check them out for their use if they don’t have a computer at home. I have a co-worker that doesn’t have a computer or a cell phone and she uses the computers at the library to look are her email from work or to do research. Libraries also provide assistive technology to disabled patrons and for students that have been identified with educational disabilities. But those libraries are not the only ones that try to help their patrons by bridging the digital divide. Some School libraries still have some challenges getting the devices needed for students with disabilities. 

Work Cited:

Burgsthler, Sheryl. "Bridging the Digital Divide in Postsecondary Education: Technology Access for

     Youth with Disabilities." National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET), vol. 1, no. 2, Dec. 2002. 

Bridging the Digital Divide in Postsecondary Education: Technology Access for Youth with Disabilities.

http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=718

More information on this article could be found here: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Webpages/webpages_case_study.html