LITA Mobile Computing IG meeting
June 26, Sunday, 10:30 am – 12pm.
Intercontinental New Orleans - Poydras room
Presentations
Case Studies: Developing Mobile Access to Digital Collections
Carmen Mitchell, Loyola Marymount University and Daniel Suchy, University of California at San Diego
While much has been written and discussed about the development of library mobile websites, very little of the conversation has focused on mobile access to digital collections. Libraries and museums spend significant resources in the effort to identify, digitize, ingest, describe, store, and display items in their digital asset management systems (DAMs). The latest challenge for libraries is to adapt and grow our digital collections to meet the needs of an increasingly mobile user. We will present the findings from four in-depth case studies of selected institutions and university libraries. These institutions were chosen because they already offer mobile services built around their digital collections, and are thus leading the effort to present them in unique and mobile-centric ways.
Mobile Services and QR Codes
Benjamin Rawlins, Systems Librarian, Kentucky State University
As mobile services continue to expand, libraries are looking for ways to connect users to their mobile content. One solution is through the use of QR codes. This presentation will show how Paul G. Blazer Library at Kentucky State University has been using QR codes as a way to reach our mobile users. QR codes are being used in the library’s online catalog, in the Mobile Services booklet, and on our library trading cards.
Maps and Library Wayfinding
Jim Hahn and Alaina Morales, University of Illinois, Undergraduate Library
Many mobile map-based guidance systems heavily feature architecturally designed CAD maps for building guidance. While this is a logical first step, it would also seem to be only a starting place and not the preferred interface for the users of undergraduate collections. Basic and applied studies on building wayfinding has found that students approach the library building with a bookstore frame of reference and prefer distorted maps based on broad subject areas. This presentation will show the iteration of maps displayed on a mobile device to help users get to desired items within a library’s undergraduate collections. Next directions for additional data points in map-based guidance will be discussed.
Mobile Learning, Mobile Library: Connecting iPads, a Mobile Library Website, and Library Instruction
Willie Miller, Assistant Librarian, IUPUI University Library
IUPUI University Library moved into the mobile environment in 2009 with a mobile site. Assistant Librarian, Willie Miller took this technology and integrated into library instruction on iPads. In this presentation, Miller shares his experiences teaching with a mobile device in a mobile environment, changes made to the mobile website based on in-class use, and some of the surprising feedback he has received from students (they all don't like iPads, some prefer computers).
Discussion Topics
The Library's mobile presence: what do users want to have on the go?
Discussion led by Ridie Wilson Ghezzi, Head, Research & Instruction Services, Dartmouth College Baker-Berry Library
Here at Dartmouth College Library we are in the process of designing our first mobile web presence for the library. We will discuss the process we've gone through to this point but focus on the decisions we have made in regard to what to include on the library's mobile site and what steps we took to reach those decisions. Our goal is to have this mobile library site fully operational by First-Year Orientation in September 2011. I think our experience might be helpful to others as they move in this direction as well. This discussion will provide an opportunity to share experiences and questions.