Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide

Rawlins, Ben. Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-6424-3

The ever expanding usage of mobile technologies has dramatically changed how we access information and how we as a society expect to access information. With mobile technologies becoming available to an increasing majority of the population, users are constantly connected to information.

The rapid expansion of mobile technology has had a profound impact on many different sectors, industries, and institutions, among those that have been affected are libraries. With more users expecting access to information and resources in a mobile optimized format, libraries have had to adapt to meet the needs of users. This has entailed evaluating various library services and resources to determine how to best meet the needs of mobile users. Additionally, mobile technology has changed the way that websites are designed, and has led to an increasing popular type of web design know as responsive web design (RWD). This enables web developers to design websites with one code base that are optimized for a wide range of devices from desktop computers to smartphones. Libraries must keep their mobile services current or risk becoming obsolete.

Based on research, examples, and experience using mobile technology, this book will include topics such as:

• The impact of mobile technology
• Mobile technology and the Digital Divide
• Implications for library staff and vendors
• Responsive Web Design
• Wearable technology in library services

Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide is written for library staff interested in how mobile technologies have changed the way we access, and expect to access, information, as well as how libraries can incorporate and adapt to mobile technology.

Usability and the Mobile Web: A LITA Guide

Tidal, Junior. Usability and the Mobile Web: A LITA Guide. Chicago : ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American Library Association, 2015. ISBN: 9780838913017.

From the publisher: Mobile technology has changed the way we interact with one another and our communities. With the proliferation of mobile devices and the constant availability of information access, it is more important than ever for libraries to meet users on their phones and tablets. But not all mobile library approaches are created equal, and in this LITA guide Tidal clarifies the mobile web landscape, helping librarians and library developers create mobile websites and applications from a user-centered perspective. Whether they have previous experience conducting mobile web usability tests, or are new to the concept of user-centered design, readers will find:

• A survey of mobile devices, with an analysis of their commonalities and differences, plus discussions on hardware and the concept of mobile context
• Information on mobile apps, websites, and hybrids, enabling libraries to make informed decisions on what’s best for their users and institutions
• Nuts-and-bolts guidance on text editors, HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), web browsers, and other skills and tools necessary for mobile web development
• An overview of usability and what the concept means with regard to the library experience
• Tips for conducting usability testing and research, from planning to execution and analysis
• Sample scripts for recruiting testing volunteers and gathering feedback, a boilerplate consent form, and a bibliography of additional resources

With Tidal’s valuable guidance, libraries can harness mobile technologies to meet the needs and expectations of library resource users.

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