The Mobile Computing Project: an LSTA Technology Mini-Grant Supported Initiative

1. The Mobile Computing Project: an LSTA Technology Mini-Grant Supported Initiative Bradley D. Faust Assist. Dean for Library Info Technology Services Ball State University Libraries Internet Librarian 2006

2. Presentation Overview Why mobile technology should be important to libraries The Mobile Computing Project at the Ball State University Libraries The BSU Libraries mobile web site Two mobile development efforts Possible future work Internet Librarian 2006

3. Mobile Technology and Libraries • The University Libraries and Ball State University are eager to embrace new information technologies • Mobile computing is a creative, new space with great opportunities for library services • Mobile technology is supporting teaching and learning (Course Management Systems, i.e. Blackboard) Internet Librarian 2006

4. Mobile Technology and Libraries • Smart small-screen devices represent changes in the way we communicate – libraries should have a role in this environment • Some may see this as novel, but our customers use these technologies today • Students and others are embracing mobile technologies at increasing rates Internet Librarian 2006

5. Mobile Project - Why • Observation that so many library customers have powerful mobile computing devices • Desire to reach these individuals through the devices they use • Rapid expansion of wireless voice and data network services • Determine the role and opportunities for libraries in this technology space Internet Librarian 2006

6. Mobile Computing Project • Funded by a LSTA technology mini-grant from the Indiana State Library and IMLS • Work began in May 2004 • Addressed the possibilities of integrating library services and collections (resources) with mobile computing devices • Original focus was on data enabled cell phones, evolved to include other mobile devices Internet Librarian 2006

7. University Libraries Mobile • Regular web sites unfriendly on mobile devices • Images are too large for small screens • Pages too long for scrolling • Pages too big to fit in memory • Wasteful of minutes • JavaScript, other scripting languages do not work Internet Librarian 2006

8. University Libraries Mobile • How does the Mobile Site work better on small screen devices? • Short pages • Easy to read fonts • Easy to navigate • Minimal images • Anywhere access Internet Librarian 2006

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11. Custom Gateway to CardCat system designed for mobile devices Smaller graphics Accessible through library mobile web site on main page Ran into issues – moved forward with MOPAC CardCat Mobile Internet Librarian 2006

12. CardCat Mobile • Uses Z39.50 based services • Developed using Microsoft Visual Studio Development environment • Served as a basis for our grant request • It works! Internet Librarian 2006

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14. Mobile Journals • Searchable index of Journals and other Serial Communications available from the University Libraries (search titles) • Limits results to online titles • Provides hot links to online resources • User-friendly navigation • Format and design fits small-screen devices Internet Librarian 2006

15. Mobile Journals - Examples Internet Librarian 2006

16. Mobile Journals - Examples Internet Librarian 2006

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18. Mobile Video • Provides access to low bandwidth versions of library promotional videos • Provides access to low bandwidth versions of instructional video • Work best on PocketPC device with a Wi-Fi connection • The video streams are in Windows Media format Internet Librarian 2006

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20. Possible Future Work • Build out the CardCat Mobile product • Build out the Mobile Journals product • Build other library services • Text messaging about available material • Investigate access to academic information resources • ‘Mobilize’ our material resource locator • Look at blog, RSS, or wiki solutions for mobile devices Internet Librarian 2006

21. University Libraries Mobile • Available at • http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile/ • We are interested in comments and suggestions to improve the site • Feedback Form on mobile web site Internet Librarian 2006

22. Web Resources • University Libraries Mobile Site • http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile/ • University Libraries Mobile “Jump” page • http://www.bsu.edu/library/mobile/ • Mobile Computing Project Web Site • http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/viewpage.aspx?SRC=./lits/mobileproject/index.html • Ball State University’s mobile site • http://mobile.bsu.edu Internet Librarian 2006

23. Project Team • Bradley D. Faust – bfaust@bsu.edu • Assistant Dean for Lib Info Tech Services • Andy West – mawest2@bsu.edu • Mobile Computing Developer • Stan Shannon • Special Projects Developer • Project Co-Investigators • Arthur W. Häfner, Ph.D., M.B.A., & Bradley D. Faust Internet Librarian 2006

24. This project was supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library. Thank You Internet Librarian 2006

25. Contact Information Bradley D. Faust Ball State University Libraries Muncie, Indiana bfaust@bsu.edu (765) 285-8032 http://www.bsu.edu/library http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/mobile Internet Librarian 2006