Abstract

Interest in m-library services has grown exponentially in the last five years, as libraries are recognizing the potential of ubiquitous and increasingly sophisticated mobile devices. Building on the highly regarded M-Libraries: libraries on the move to provide virtual access, this new book brings together research and case studies from all corners of the globe on the development and delivery of library services and content to mobile devices. Based on the proceedings of the Second International M-Libraries Conference held in Vancouver, this new collection of contributions from authorities in the field serves to demonstrate the ingenuity and creativity of developers and service providers in this area, ranging from the innovative application of basic mobile phone technology to provide information services in remote parts of the globe lacking internet access, to the development of new tools and technologies which harness the full functionality of popular mobile phones. This title includes topics such as: enhancing library access through the use of mobile technology; the university library digital reading room; mobile access for workplace and language training; the role of an agent supplying content on mobile devices; cyberlearning and reference services via mobile devices; podcasting as an outreach tool; service models for information therapy services delivered to mobiles; bibliographic ontology and e-books; health literacy and healthy action in the connected age; a collaborative approach to support flexible, blended and technology-enhanced learning; and, mobilizing the development of information skills for students on the move and in the workplace. This collection demonstrates the emergence of an evidence base for m-libraries, with a number of contributions presenting the results of user surveys and studies of user behaviour. This highly topical book should be read by information professionals in all sectors, and by policy makers, researchers, developers, publishers and suppliers. It will also be of great interest to library and information studies students and newcomers to the profession.
"...any public, academic, medical or special librarian whose users rely on mobile devices will benefit from learning about the cutting-edge applications explained here. It is a useful guide for info pros in corporate organisations, policy makers, researchers, developers, publishers and suppliers." - Information World Review
"...the general library community and librarians, as well as M-Library developers, will find this work to be a useful reference, from an international view point as well, as to the current state of development in M-Libraries. 4/5." - HEA-ICS
Professor Mohamed Ally BSc Ma PhD is Director of the Centre for Distance Education, Athabasca University, Canada. Gill Needham BA (Hons) DipLib CertMan MSc (Econ) is Associate Director, Information Management and Innovation at the Open University Library and Learning Resources Centre, UK.
"...a very resourceful book for anyone trying to get to grips with m-libraries and how they might work, if one were to go ahead and put the plan in action." - MmIT Journal