Mobile Technology and Libraries By: Laura Berkey



Mobile Apps

“In 2009, there were 4.6 billion active cellular subscriptions in the world and 250 million wireless data-capable devices in use in the U.S. Any one of these is a potential destination for public library information targeted at mobile users.” (Baumann ALA Report: Libraries Gear up for Mobile.)

 

Because people everywhere can quickly and easily connect to the internet on their mobile devices, mobile apps are more popular than ever, and these mobile apps can extend the library’s services outside their physical borders.


Functions a library mobile app can offer:

  • library catalogue
  • interactive library guides
  • library virtual tour
  • an interactive calendar with all the library’s events
  • the possibility to loan and read electronic books and articles
  • the possibility to reserve the library’s resources or to pay for some services 

All of these are beneficial for library patrons but to take it one step further, the library can add other available mobile apps to the library assistive technology services that they offer. 

Assistive Mobile Technology

What is Assistive Mobile Technology? Applications running on mobile technology (such as personal digital assistants (PDAs)) that are employed to assist individuals with disabilities in terms of, for example, rehabilitation, and/or to perform daily activities affected by their disability. 

 

People with disabilities can benefit profoundly from mobile technology because this assistive technology is as close as one’s mobile device and can be accessed whenever and wherever they are needed.

 

Samantha Thomas, a student, future librarian, and educator at Kutztown University, created this helpful collection of assistive technologies . Some are commonly used with special needs individuals, such as augmentative & alternative communication apps like My Pictures Talk, Look2Learn, and iTalk. Others are general consumer apps, such as Evernote, Google Earth, and Audacity. She also lists her assessment of each apps value as an assistive technology.


Selecting Mobile Apps for People with Disabilities

‘When selecting apps for circulating mobile devices for people with disabilities, libraries should focus primarily on apps which will help patrons: communicate, remember things and organize tasks. Including apps that will act as assistive technology tools on circulating mobile devices will not only make it easier for patrons with disabilities to fully enjoy these devices, but it will also allow for patrons with limited resources to try popular assistive technology apps before investing in technology that may not fit their needs.” (Wray Everyday Assistive Technology on the Go: Identifying Characteristic of Popular Apple Apps for People with Disabilities)

As the library's role continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to meet the needs of all of its users. An easy way to do that is to find new uses for the technologies we already have.

 

References

Baumann, Michael. "ALA Report: Libraries Gear up for Mobile." Information Today 27.8 (2010): 29. MasterFILE Complete. Web.

Thomas, Samantha. "My Assistive Technology Applications (34 Tools)." Edshelf. Web.

Wray, Christina. "Everyday Assistive Technology on the Go: Identifying Characteristic of Popular Apple Apps for People with Disabilities." Interface. 2013. Web.

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