3 results
1 - Design and testing of mobile library websites: best practices in creating mobile library applications
- from Part 1 - Best practice for the use of mobile technologies in libraries
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- By John Paul Anbu K., University of Swaziland Libraries, Sanjay Kataria, Jaype Institute of Information Technology Noida
- Edited by Gill Needham, Ally Mohamed
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- Book:
- M-Libraries 5
- Published by:
- Facet
- Published online:
- 08 June 2018
- Print publication:
- 10 June 2015, pp 3-18
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
The advancements in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the unprecedented innovations and inventions have brought enormous change in all walks of life around the globe. The growth of the mobile communication medium is one of the important support systems of ICT which has seen a sea change over the years. This growth is ascribed to the desire of users for a number of different communications media to access the internet. From desktop computers, the mode of computing shifted to laptops and further into tablets. The proliferation of mobile technology, especially the 3G hype and the subsequent Wi-Fi innovations, have triggered an unprecedented change in the tools for access to the internet. Song and Lee observe that the users have ‘widely adopted mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and e-readers as their primary tools to access information’ (2012, 574). It is also worth noticing that in this rapidly changing environment, people have become ‘more dependent on wireless communication systems’ (Olatokun and Bodunwa, 2006, 530). The growth of mobile telephony, especially the ever-expanding growth in Asia and Africa in the use of cellular telephony, has seen a number of innovations both in the technology and in the service delivery of mobile communication technology. Academic institutions have benefited greatly from these innovations, as they form the cornerstone of the information society. Over the years the libraries, which act as the focal point of the academic community, have adapted these changing technologies in their service delivery. With the cosmic change of the mobile revolution around the globe, it is no surprise that libraries stand in the forefront of providing information to their users through the new mode of mobile technology.
Mobile technology and academic institutions
With the fascinating growth of the mobile communication system, it is worth noting the growth of its user base, especially amongst the academic community. Olatokun and Bodunwa observe that ‘Mobile phones have become an inseparable part of everyday life’ (2006, 530). Smith, Salaway and Borreson Caruso, in their study of undergraduate students and information technology (EDUCAUSE, 2009) shed light on the mindset of undergraduate students with respect to mobile usage. According to their study, 76.7% of undergraduate students have used smartphones not only for communication but also for accessing information.
2 - Mobile information literacy for libraries: a case study on requirements for an effective information literacy programme
- from Part 1 - Best practice for the use of mobile technologies in libraries
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- By Shri Ram, Jaypee University of Information Technology, John Paul Anbu K., University of Swaziland Libraries, Sanjay Kataria, Jaype Institute of Information Technology Noida
- Edited by Gill Needham, Ally Mohamed
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- Book:
- M-Libraries 5
- Published by:
- Facet
- Published online:
- 08 June 2018
- Print publication:
- 10 June 2015, pp 19-30
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
The use of mobile technologies is rapidly growing and it has played an important role in the management of relations between people in social, economic and everyday life (Muller et al., 2005; Goh et al0, 2006). Throughout history access to information has played a crucial role in the development of humanity. Previously, people had to obtain information from scientists, clergy, libraries and universities. Today, however, they can access information without the need for such efforts (Maxwel, 2000).
In the era of information technology and penetration of the internet, libraries face a huge challenge in attracting users. When most information is now available over the internet in digital format, libraries are challenged to retain their users and ensure the proper utilization of library resources. Information technology has always played a leading role in promoting access to information resources in libraries. With the advent of technology, information awareness and access has become more available to the user, ensuring 24/7 access. Libraries which mostly follow the traditional information service delivery struggle to provide 24/7 on-demand services and the budget crisis in many libraries sees them losing staff (Magbanua, 2008). Consequently, the needs of library users have increased rapidly and user needs should be fulfilled everywhere and every time rather than anywhere and anytime. In order to overcome the communication gap between the user and the library, and to meet users’ needs, this paper proposes ‘mobile information literacy’, which utilizes short messaging services (SMS) that allow users to be informed of the services and activities of the library everywhere and at all times. This paper looks at the starting point in assessing the need for integrating mobile technology in an information literacy programme at Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, India. The aim is to take a closer look at the routine uses of the mobile phone in relation to students’ study activities. The mobile is the key communication device and medium for constant updating, coordination, information access, documentation and information literacy.
Information literacy transition and penetration of mobile technology
Wilber (2008) has examined students’ literacy and digital technology practices in the context of colleges and universities. She concludes with the acceptance of the concept of ‘new’ literacies. Her conclusion is based on the set of literacy practices which mark a change in usage, based on the context and the tool.
1 - Cost-effective content alert system using SMS: a case study at Bundelkhand University Library, Jhansi
- Edited by Mohamed Ally, Gill Needham
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- Book:
- M-Libraries 4
- Published by:
- Facet
- Published online:
- 10 September 2022
- Print publication:
- 23 April 2014, pp 3-14
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- Chapter
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Summary
Introduction
The past decade has seen a tremendous growth in mobile telephony. Research carried out by Infonetics predicts that by 2013 the number of worldwide mobile subscribers will reach 5.9 billion. This growth is ascribed mainly to the anticipated increase in mobile communication in Africa, India and China. Innovations in handsets and modes of transmission have seen an expansion of mobile telephone services to all walks of life. McEwen observes that Net Gen and Millennial students are used to being always with and on their mobile phones (McEwen, 2012).
Among the various mobile applications, Short Message Service (SMS) is one of the most popular services, widely used all over the world. Research shows that SMS has been adopted by many users and has in fact become extremely popular among both younger and older generations of users. It is estimated that close to 3.3 trillion SMS have been sent over the mobile network since its inception. Though some notable studies on the usage of SMS have been done in the past, there is very little information available on the connection between SMS and library services, although it can be generally noted many library services can be successfully run through SMS services. Bundelkhand University, in Jhansi in the heartland of India, attempted to use SMS technology to implement a cost-effective content alert system. This paper is a product of that project, which looked into whether such a cost-effective system could be implemented using SMS technology, its implications for the use of library resources and the acceptance of SMS services amongst library users.
Content alerts
An alert is defined as a form of communication that is important and time sensitive and that enables the recipient to be alert to issues which are related to them. In the library world an alert contains userrequested information or content. Alert messaging or alert notif - ication is thus the delivery of alerts to recipients. Most sophisticated service providers embrace all capabilities, aggregating a multitude of reminders, notifications and alerts and adapting the delivery system to the specific context of the content being delivered, thus enabling users to create sophisticated scenarios of their own choosing.
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