Current state and trends of the mobile library applications (the case of the Bavarian State Library)

Abstract

The mobile technology gained widespread use and became an essential part of all advanced industries over the past decade. Libraries also cannot ignore them, so mobile library applications have become one of the most relevant technological innovations in library activities. Now more and more libraries offer their websites in the mobile version. However, the capabilities of library mobile applications are not limited to providing access to basic services on the library website. The aim of the article is to analyse the functionality of specially developed applications of the Bavarian State Library (FRG), which are aimed at solving specific tasks. On the basis of a wide range of domestic and mainly German sources (articles, monographs, web resources), the author analyses the aspects of using the four mobile applications in the practice of one of the largest German libraries. It is shown that mobile applications can help to reveal unique publications stored in special collections of the library. It is noted that mobile application can be a navigator in a multi-storey library building with a developed infrastructure. The author stresses that the above tasks are achieved due to the extended functionality of the applications: user geolocation, augmented reality, effective reading modes as well as Bluetooth data transfer technology. For the first time, the author considers the mobile applications used in German library practice, which are aimed at meeting special needs of users (study of topography of the region, acquaintance with works of cultural and artistic value, navigation inside the library building). The analysed tendencies of use of the mobile applications can be of interest also for domestic libraries which strive to increase efficiency of work through implementation of mobile technology.