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Can You Research Now? Mobile Computing Access in Libraries. Jason Bernard, RIS Business Librarian Judith Pinnolis, RIS Humanities Librarian. Smart Phones and Mobile Learning.
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Can You Research Now? Mobile Computing Access in Libraries Jason Bernard, RIS Business Librarian Judith Pinnolis, RIS Humanities Librarian
Smart Phones and Mobile Learning • “A smart phone combines telephone capability with a PDA, camera, video, mass storage, MP3 player, internet access, and networking features in one compact system.”* • “ …mobile learning is defined as the acquisition of any knowledge and skill through the use of mobile technology, anywhere, anytime that results in an alteration in behavior.** *Joseph R. Corbeil and Maria E. Valdes-Corbeil, “Are You Ready for Mobile Learning?” 2007. Educause Quarterly, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 51-58 ** Yong Liu, “An Adoption Model for Mobile Learning” 2008.http://www.iadis.net/dl/final_uploads/200814C031.pdf.
Ubiquity “Wherever one looks, evidence of mobile penetration is irrefutable: cell phone, PDAs, MP3 players, portable game devices, handhelds, tablets, and laptops abound.”* *Ellen D. Wagner. “Enabling Mobile Learning. 2005. EDUCAUSE Review. Vol. 40, n3: 41-42, 44, 46-52.
Hierarchy of Smartphone needs http://images.crackberry.com/files/kevin/smartphonehierarchyofneeds3.png
Advantages of Mobile Devices in Libraries • Convenience of anytime, anywhere access • Media-rich environment • Mobile computing tool integration on single device • Reflects usage patterns of college students and other digital natives
Disadvantages • Mobile device interfaces not fully supported by library resource vendors • Navigation somewhat cumbersome • Small keyboard --text entry inefficient • Searching slower on wireless mobile devices
Conclusions –the Present • Vendors lagging behind in implementation of mobile access except EBSCO and NLM • Mobile access currently remains unwieldy • Only 40% currently allow direct export to Ref Works; 10% to EndNote Web • Cengage Products app only identifies public libraries • 80% (of vendors studied)allow email export • 90% (of vendors studied) have no specific smartphone app
Conclusions—Desired Future Outcomes • Integrate mobile interfaces into existing subscriptions • Vendor databases should automatically detect identification of user device • Clear instructions or FAQs at point of use • SFX should be default in Administrative setup • Include links to citation managers • Include universal ability to use email export of data • Development in delivery and mashups of geospatial, research data and online social networking
Recommended Steps to Improve Library Access • Add a link on you library website announcing mobile access in general • Let patrons know existing mobile access is available at point of use at database listings • Request vendors to develop alternate interface support
Contact Information Jason Bernard jbernard@brandeis.edu Judith S. Pinnolis pinnolis@brandeis.edu