Libraries and Mobile Services (Library Technology Reports) (Library Technology Reports

Library Technology Reports (47:2) For the past thirty-plus years, libraries and librarians have perceived themselves as subject to near-constant technological upheaval and information revolution, largely due to the rise of microcomputing, desktop computing, and Internet connectivity. Tech and industry prognosticators believe that the impact of mobile computing on our society and economy will dwarf these earlier innovations. Key indicators point to profound implications for delivery of information, access to services, shifts in the demographics of connected users, and broadband access business models. Libraries are uniquely positioned to advocate for teh responsible evolution of mobile connectivity, and must move aggressively into provision of library servicse in the mobile realm. This report examines the meteoric uptake of smartphones and mobile broadband, describing the trends transforming the way users are accessing information, and implications for library policy and advocacy. Included is a detailed overview to bring you up to speed on the leading mobile operating systems, including Android, iOS, BlackBerry OS, WebOS, and Windows Phone 7, as well as a discussion of the hardware advancements that have the humble phone replace your Walkman, Game Boy, camera, and gps. To help you decide how to proceed with mobile services in your library, the report includes basic strategies for making your library resources mobile friendly and for developing mobile websites and mobile applications.