Abstract
Modern mobile devices have powerful features that are transforming access to information. Lippincott1 argues that as mobile devices such as smartphones become ‘key information devices’ for our users, libraries will want to have a signifi- cant presence in offering content and services that are suitable for this medium. This article outlines the process of develop- ment and implementation of a mobile strategy at the University of Glasgow Library. What began as an investigation into a mobile interface to the library catalogue evolved into a comprehensive strategic review of how we deliver services now and in the future in this rapidly changing mobile environment.
Highlights
Planning for the mobile library: a strategy for managing innovation and transformation at the University of Glasgow Library
Lippincott[1] argues that as mobile devices such as smartphones become ‘key information devices’ for our users, libraries will want to have a significant presence in offering content and services that are suitable for this medium
This article outlines the process of development and implementation of a mobile strategy at the University of Glasgow Library
Summary
In 2010, a small group of library staff formed a Mobile Technologies Group to conduct a broadlevel investigation into how the Library could best support access to information and services through mobile devices. The most popular devices our users had were smartphones such as the iPhone, BlackBerry and those with the Android operating system, and the iPad. An initial report (in response to this data) which was informed by some preliminary reading of the academic literature on the use of mobiles in higher education was presented to the Library Senior Management Team in June 2010. That report made four recommendations: firstly, that a mobile interface to the library catalogue be developed; secondly, that mobile access to user account information be provided. It recommended that the team investigate two things: how to exploit developments in SMS (text messaging) for circulation notices, e.g. overdues and courtesy notices; and the potential of instant messaging functionality on mobile devices for reference and enquiry services. AirPAC provides a mobile search interface and access to the most commonly used user account functions
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