Preparing your library for mobile devices

Abstract

[Introduction]: This paper had its beginnings in a discussion at the USQ Library about the necessity, or not, to provide information on the Library's website about how eBooks can or cannot be used on mobile devices, specifically eBook readers. Varying sides in the discussion had differing opinions about our students', and staff, abilities in using mobile devices and eBooks. The systems team, who were involved in the development of a mobile Library interface, and were themselves proficient users of technology, felt that students and staff needed no instruction, whilst Information Services staff felt that they did. Many Libraries have become the 'main campus resource for services for mobile devices' (Lippincott, 2010), including development of mobile interfaces and support of student use of mobile devices. At USQ, the Library is the only section at USQ with a mobile interface and the Library operates as a pseudo IT Help Desk to help students connect to mobile devices, particularly after hours. Therefore it is perhaps not wrong to assume that Library staff will have the ability to troubleshoot and use mobile devices, specifically using Library applications on mobile devices. This, however, is not the actual situation. Library staff, in this world of constantly changing technologies, are constantly under pressure to adapt to and understand new technologies. This is not new. In 1978, when talking about libraries and automation, Becker stated that 'lately social and technological alternatives have occurred at so great a rate that change must be dealt with continuously'. This statement could also apply as equally to libraries in the 21st century. Staff are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with, and become proficient users of, new technologies. It is safer to assume that your staff do not know all about mobile devices. As one staff replied when asked what she had learned from mobile devices training, 'I learned that I'm a dinosaur!' A small project was consequently created to investigate issues relating to eBooks and mobile devices, and the best way to communicate this information to Library staff and university staff and students. This paper details the processes undertaken, some information regarding eBooks and mobile devices which we discovered, details of training delivered and lessons learned and highlights methods for promoting to and educating student about the use of eBooks and mobile devices.