Steve Schafer, Tony Tin, Colin Elliott

Mobile Library: Connecting New Generation of Learners to the Library in the Mobile Age

M-Libraries Conference 2009

Today’s Presentation

1. Introduction – Athabasca University 2. About mobile library3. Special features4. Technology/Design5. Challenges6. Mobile learning contents project7. Conclusion

Athabasca University http://www.athabascau.ca .

Canada’s Open University Location: Athabasca, Alberta, Canada Mandate: Remove barriers for students More than 37,000 students, 700 courses and

90 graduate and Undergraduate programs Students from Canada and 84 countries

worldwide Leader in M-learning and M-library research

What is a mobile library?

A mobile library provides learners with access to the library services and learning resources using mobile devices

Why a mobile library at AU?

Students already have the devices AU students study from a distance Quick and efficient access to

electronic resources and library services is essential

Students have even more options for fitting learning into their busy lives

Why a mobile library at AU?

It allows individualization & self-pace

Students pick the time and the place to learn using mobile devices to access Library resources and services

Supports students with special needs

Special Features

Desktop: http://library.athabascau.ca Mobile friendly AU Library site: Supported

devices: PDA, Palmtop, Blackberry, IPAQ, Smart phones, Iphones

The site includes mobile friendly: Digital Reading Room Digital Reference Centre Digital Thesis & Project Room Airpac Library catalogue Search engine

Special Features

Auto-detect and reformat Learning object reuse Easy web maintain/update Multimedia file support Ipodcasting Wireless library catalogue Search Mobile content conversion on the fly

M-library Design/Technology

AirPAC - Wireless Library Catalogue

Enables users to access the AU library catalogue through their handheld mobile device as long as they have access to the Internet service

Wireless Library Catalogue: AIRPAC (ctd)

Activities available:Search catalogueRequest books from the catalogueView their library accountRenew material Can connect to electronic

resources

Future features for AIRPAC

Athabasca University Library will explore how to enable users to view book jackets, table of contents, and reviews of books through the wireless catalogue

Project Recognition

Recipient of the Canadian Library Association Research & Development Award 2007

Model adopted by UK Open University

Challenges for the M-library

Defining content for the M-library Define the amount and type of information

Design of the format Normal website vs. mobile version content and information text, images, graphics, tables, location

Display models different display model and stylesheet

Challenges

Different standards, data networks, and operating systems

Handling of PDF documents Handling of multimedia file types Language compatibility Corporate restriction on private or

education use

From Mobile Library to Mobile Content Projects

Mobile Content Projects Mobile ESL Project

Develop and test innovative approaches to ESL learning using mobile devices and a variety of testing and practice methods (CBC News)

Iphone App project Design to facilitate Iphone access to AU Press

E-journals and E-books Mobile Friendly library resources project

Study the mobile-friendliness of E-Journals

The Mobile Benefit

“You decide where class is and when

class starts”

Food for Thought “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have

these devices built into you and powered by your body”

-Martin Cooper, inventor of the cellphone

Further Information Website:

Mobile Library:http://library.athabascau.ca/Mobile ESLhttp://eslau.caMobile Workplace Englishhttp://wpeau.ca

Publications:Ally, M. Eds.(2008). M-libraries: Libraries On The Move To Provide Virtual Access. Facet Publishing .