Academic Libraries and Use of Mobile Devices: Case Study of Slovenia

Abstract

This study aims to explore the use of mobile technology among students of University of Ljubljana (UL), Slovenia, in order to improve academic library services. We focused on the use of mobile library services of academic libraries in general and students' reading of full text resources on mobile devices in particular. A questionnaire was administered online to collect data from students within all faculties of University of Ljubljana. Assuming that the attitude towards using mobile devices to read scholarly e-resources is also affected by students' perception of mobile devices, we researched this in the context of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). UL students perceive mobile devices as generally useful for reading scholarly e-resources, but with shortcomings. They perceive mobile devices as practical for easy access to e-resources while they do not see them as appropriate for reading. Given the low mobile use of library online resources, UL libraries should develop a plan for the development of attractive mobile services and their effective promotion.