Library mobile initiatives
Additional research and initiatives
New mobile app: Evernote
BSU site research
Here is what I've found so far:
Websites and OPACs
The July 2008 issue of Library Technology Reports offers an article documenting many libraries' efforts to create mobile-friendly web sites, OPACs, circulation, databases and collections, as well as library instruction and guided audio tours. In addition, a number of libraries are providing reference and notification services via text messaging, also known as small message systems (SMS).
Best sites for immediate use:
Mobile library web sites
- Ball State University
- University of Richmond
- Ohio Public Library Information Network
- University of Virgina
- Boston University Medical Center
- Wayne State University
- Nashville Public Library
- Hennepin County Public Library
Mobile collection links
- Thomas Ford Memorial Library
- St. Joseph Co. Public Library
- Crouch Fine Arts Library
- University of Virginia Library Etext Center
- OverDrive
- eNYPL
- C/W Mars Digital Catalog
- ListenAlaska Digital Catalog (U. of AK, Fairbanks)
Mobile Library Instruction Links
- Podcasts from Wa. State Univ. Libraries
- Sheridan Libraries Podcasts (Johns Hopkins Univ.)
- Behind the Desk: Podcasts from Alden Library Ohio (OH Univ. Libs.)
Mobile Database Links
Mobile Audio Tours (guided tours)
- Bonstock Library Walking Audio Tour (Duke U. Libs)
- Beatley Library and Information Commons Tour Portal (Simmons College)
- C.V. Starr East Asial Library iPod Tours
- Guide by Cell (www.guidebycell.com)
- Museum 411 (museum411.com); examples include:
- Tacoma Art Museum’s Ear for Art
- Walker Art Center’s Art On Call
Library SMS Notifications
- UGL Text Alerts (UIUC Library)
- Monash University Library (my.monash.edu)
- Simmons Library Catalog
- Orange County Library System
- Rave Wireless
- e2Campus (www.e2campus.com)
SMS Reference Links
- American University’s Ask-a-Librarian IM
- Kansas State U Ask a Librarian
- Wake Forest U Text with a Librarian
- Southeastern Louisiana U Text a Librarian
- Altarama Reference by SMS
Mobile Library Circulation
- PocketCirc: "SirsiDynix PocketCircTM is a wireless circulation unit that frees you to serve users and perform both online and offline circulation operations away from your computer with a handheld PDA device." (From website)
Apple iTunes apps
- World Factbook (handheld version of CIA World Factbook, a classic reference resource; $0.99)
- Stanza ebook reader (free)
- eReader ebook reader (free)
Finally, IU recently added “iTunes U,” a pilot project where a group of faculty produced podcasts for use in their courses.
Tool: iPhone 3G emulator
References
(2008). "Library mobile initiatives." Library Technology Reports 44(5): 33-38.
