Mobile technologies have provided faster access to information and communication and at the same time also challenging libraries to rethink and remodel their service by adopting technological changes since mobile devices has become an essential part of people’s lives. Mobile devices revolutionized communication and changed the pattern in which information is been accessed, information can be accessed using mobile devices anywhere anytime in a convenient and timely manner. As these new devices such as smartphones, tablets, and e-book readers are already part of the mainstream and adequately utilized in various types of libraries in developed nations of the world, libraries of developing nations such as Nigeria must do the same by adopting and implementing mobile technologies in Nigerian academic libraries, since the advantages have been known to be enormous and research has shown that library patrons prefer to access information over Mobile devices. This text explains mobile technologies, its application, origin advantages, status, various examples and the newer methods of information delivery using mobile technologies adopted in developed nations of the world, Mobile databases, catalogs, applications.it also describes the present status of mobile technology adoption in Nigerian academic libraries, challenges and way forward.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Types of Libraries
1.2.1 National Libraries
1.2.2 Public Libraries
1.2.3 Academic Libraries
1.2.4 Special Libraries
1.2.5 Nigerian Academic Libraries
1.3 Library services
1.3.1 Circulation service
1.3.2 Serial Service
1.3.3 Social media service
1.3.4 Electronic library service
1.4 MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
1.5 Application of Mobile Technology Service in Library
1.6 History of Mobile Phones in Nigeria
2. MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Need For Mobile Technologies in Nigerian Academic Libraries.
2.3 Types Of Mobile Technologies
3. MOBILE RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Mobile Library Websites
3.3 Mobile Library Application
3.4 Mobile Learning Application
3.5 Mobile Reference Service
3.6 Mobile Databases
4. Advantages of Mobile Technology based Academic library services in Nigeria
4.1.1 Support distance learning
4.1.2. Time-Saving
4.1.3 Mass Access
4.1.4 Personalized service
4.1.5 Ability to Access Information
4.1.6 Access to Print-disabled Users
4.1.7 Location Awareness
4.1.8 Limitless Acess
4.1.9 User-friendly Aid
4.2 Prerequisites for implementing mobile technology-based library services
4.3 Mobile library services in Academic Libraries of Nigeria
4.3.1 Short Messaging Service (SMS) reference service
4.3.2 Instant Messaging (IM for reference Service)
4.3.3 Mobile OPAC (open-access catalog)
4.4.4 Mobile Document Supply
4.5 Mobile library services and new ways of delivering information in advanced countries
4.5.1 Mobile Library Application
4.5.2. QR Codes
4.5.3 Mobile Collection
4.5.3.1 Google Books
4.5.3.2 Audio
4.6 Mobile Audio Tour
4.7 Mobile Augmented Reality
4.7.1 Physical Book Stacks Browsing
4.7.2 Library Navigation
4.7.3 Optical Character Recognition
4.7.4 Facial Recognition
4.7.5 Identifying Building Services and Collection
4.7.6 Mobile Database
4.7.7 Mobile Printing
5. BARRIERS TO MOBILE TECHNOLOGY-BASED SERVICES IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
5.1.1 Initial Cost/Fund
5.1.1 Low bandwidth
5.1.3 Lack of Trained Staff/Skilled Manpower
5.1.4 Lack of ICT infrastructure
5.1.5 Electricity Failure
5.1.6 Privacy and Security
5.1.7 Lack of ICT professionals or experts
5.8 THE WAY FORWARD
Objectives and Themes
This work explores the adoption, application, and challenges of mobile technologies within Nigerian academic libraries. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional library services and the modern information-seeking behavior of tech-savvy students by proposing frameworks for integrating mobile solutions to enhance library accessibility and service delivery.
- Evolution and status of mobile technology in Nigerian academic institutions.
- Benefits and application of mobile tools such as OPAC, SMS reference, and Augmented Reality.
- Infrastructure and economic barriers hindering the integration of mobile services.
- Strategic paths for libraries to adopt mobile-first approaches for improved information access.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Introduction
In the 21st century, mobile technologies have become integrated into our everyday lives, practically everyone uses a smartphone especially in the developed part of the world, information access is increasingly shifting away from an online environment and into the mobile environment, libraries in the advanced world, especially the academic, have deployed the so-called “Mobile Library Services” the idea of mobile library is on wireless network capability, internet and multimedia technology( Wang and Latham, 2015). Because of the presence of these technologies today it is common to see a student with his or her head buried in a smartphone screen and it is ubiquitous on college and university campuses, this millennial generation as they are called with the age range of 18-25 have a very different view of information access than their parents and grandparents (Reese, 2013).
It is common to sight these young adults walking down the street, in elevators, even during classes with iPhones, Androids, and other similar devices as their companion rather than them go to get needed information they prefer their information need and wants to be answered immediately with speed and accuracy using smartphones, which led to the generalization by Aiguo (2013) that the future is mobile and any library that has no initiative or plans to incorporate mobile technologies in their services is already on the verge of extinction as the present library system has passed the mere stage of the traditional way of offering services to recently Knowledge management centers, but recently developing countries are moving towards the jet age, mobile technology is penetrating all sphere of our lives, the technology is changing the way people communicate and access information people who visited the library in the past for specific information are now able to access such information with a click on their smartphones, tablets, Laptops, E-readers, etc. therefore it is paramount for academic libraries especially in developing countries to take the advantages and opportunities to provide information and library and information science (LIS) professionals should fully deploy and exploit the opportunities inherent in mobile technology applications and services, including hand-held devices to provide world-class and ubiquitous services to patrons.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter traces the historical development of libraries and the emergence of mobile technologies as a transformative force for modern academic library services.
2. MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: This chapter explores the integration of mobile devices into the lives of students and argues for the necessity of mobile library services to prevent library obsolescence.
3. MOBILE RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: This section provides a comprehensive overview of mobile applications, mobile-friendly websites, and mobile-based learning resources used by academic libraries.
4. Advantages of Mobile Technology based Academic library services in Nigeria: This chapter highlights the benefits of mobile service implementation and explores advanced techniques like Augmented Reality and QR codes for library engagement.
5. BARRIERS TO MOBILE TECHNOLOGY-BASED SERVICES IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: This chapter identifies critical challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and lack of trained personnel, while offering practical recommendations for the way forward.
Keywords
Mobile Technology, Academic Libraries, Nigeria, Library Services, Information Access, Mobile OPAC, Smartphone, Augmented Reality, Digital Divide, ICT Infrastructure, Mobile Learning, QR Codes, Library Automation, Electronic Resources, Information Literacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the integration of mobile technologies into Nigerian academic libraries, examining how these tools can remodel service delivery to meet the needs of modern students.
What are the central themes covered?
The central themes include the evolution of mobile technology in education, the practical application of mobile tools in libraries, the existing technological barriers, and strategic recommendations for implementation.
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to provide a guide for academic libraries in developing nations to adopt mobile technologies to improve accessibility, user engagement, and the dissemination of scholarly information.
What scientific methods were used?
The book utilizes a literature-based research methodology, synthesizing studies from both developed and developing countries to assess current status and future prospects for mobile library implementation.
What topics are discussed in the main chapters?
The chapters cover library definitions, the historical rise of mobile phones, types of mobile library applications, advantages of mobile service, and major institutional barriers to adoption.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Mobile Technology, Academic Libraries, Nigeria, Digital Divide, Mobile Learning, and Library Automation.
How do QR codes benefit academic libraries?
QR codes provide a high-speed, interactive way for students to access library audio tours, room schedulers, and direct links between physical books and electronic records.
What are the primary obstacles in Nigeria regarding this technology?
Major obstacles include limited ICT infrastructure, inconsistent electricity, high initial costs, and a deficit of technical skills among library staff.
- Quote paper
- Mr Abdullahi Bala Shehu (Author), Innocent Idakwo Sunday (Author), 2020, Mobile Technologies in Nigerian Academic based Library Services, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/539471
