Resource Review 4: QR Codes, Mobile Devices, and Libraries: Linking the Online and Physical Worlds?

Until now the posts on this blog about what can be learned about mobile devices and libraries have focused primarily on mobile web sites. However, there is another equally as important function of the mobile device that is directly related to libraries: taking a snapshot of a QR code. QR stands for Quick Response, and is a code that looks something like this black and white square. The code can hold much more information than a barcode, and when a picture is taken of it, (the phone needs free downloadable software as well) it can link directly to a website, video, or other online resource. In his article "Hyperlinking Reality," Nate Hill, a librarian at a neighborhood branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, discusses the possibility of implementing these codes in libraries to further connect online and physical communities. A mobile device is able to take a snapshot of the code and given that the mobile device connects to the internet, the user then has readily available information pertaining to the object that had the code. Hill also mentions the Columbus Metropolitan Library which has implemented codes in books in the stacks that link directly to the library's catalog.

Another blog, called "Mobile Libraries: Mobile Libraries Is Devoted To Documenting Any and All Topics Relating To Services Provided By Libraries To Patrons Within Mobile Environments. Library Mobile Services Are Defined As Any And All Library Services That Are Provided Via Mobile Technologies" includes a post about the possibility of library instruction videos via QR codes. The codes are very easy to make with the proper software, and one way that libraries can embrace this is to create codes linking to instructional videos for patrons. For example, a librarian could make a video of how to use the library catalog to find a specific material, and with the code available, the user can quickly take a picture of the code (wherever it may be located within or outside of the library) and be instantly connected to the instructional video. The code can be right there in the stacks, next to the OPACs, in schools, or anywhere it is allowed to be.

In conclusion, there are endless possibilities for libraries to use QR coding technology. It can improve speed and retrieval of information, and the novelty of it will surely attract younger patrons. The codes allow for further connectedness and more ways to spread information.


Full citation: Hill, N. (2009). "Hyperlinking reality." Library Journal, 134(12), pp. 38-39.

Resource Review 3: A Review of "Ubiquity of Mobiles to Have Big Impact"

The article "Ubiquity of Mobiles to Have Big Impact" appeared in the August 1, 2009 edition of Library Journal. It points out several aspects of mobile devices in relation to libraries, discussed at the ALA conference this past summer in Chicago as well as the LITA Top Tech Trends conference. One major issue is that libraries simply cannot ignore mobile devices. Mobile devices affect ease, mode, and speed of information retrieval, which is a central focus for libraries (public libraries included). The article also raises the question, "How does mobile technology alter the traditional library service model?", which is certainly something libraries should be paying attention to.

One librarian from Ann Arbor mentions in the article that "as digital copies become commonplace, libraries should embrace a new role of providing unique content, either by "making that stuff" or "letting your patrons make that stuff"" (Hadro, 2009). The rise in popularity of mobile phones seems to be a perfect opportunity for libraries to embrace the capacity of mobiles, and to create original content available for both desktop and mobile devices. Libraries will certainly be behind the times if they do not include mobile devices as part of long term planning.

Full Citation: "Ubiquity of mobiles to have big impact" (2009). Library Journal, 134(13), pp. 14.

Resource Review 2: A Review of the Ebling Library for the Health Sciences Mobile Site

This past summer I completed my 120 hour practicum at Ebling Library for the Health Sciences in the UW Madison medical complex on the west end of campus. A requirement for the practicum was to attend a staff meeting, and the meeting I attended was run by the Information Architecture staff. The purpose of the meeting was to unveil the newly finished mobile web site for the library. Since the meeting, I have become very interested in mobile devices and libraries, hence why I chose it as my topic for LIS 644.

Ebling Library is not a complete part of the General Library System (they do have some cataloging done at Memorial), so they are able to employ their own Information Architecture staff. If you have ever visited the Ebling website, you may have noticed that it looks entirely different from the standard library website for many of the other libraries on campus. The IA staff devotes all of their attention to the Ebling website, and it is constantly updated and maintained.

During the summer, the IA staff finished building the mobile site for Ebling. The library staff was very excited about this, because it is just one more way that patrons can stay connected and informed. The medical field in particular is very saturated with mobile devices due to the demanding nature of the profession, so as far as I know the site has gone over well.

The site itself is completely homegrown (even the graphics were designed by a graphic designer employed at Ebling). The purpose of the site is to make available the newest information. Many doctors, residents, nurses, and medical students follow journals very closely, and it is imperative that they are in the loop as soon as new research or a new article has been published. The mobile site only makes that information available that much quicker and that much more accessible. The site is easily laid out so minimal clicks are needed. PubMed is arguably the most used database in the health science profession, so it is listed first. Links are available to other databases and journals as well as to general information about the library. Requests for articles via Library Express can also be placed from the mobile device. This website can lead other libraries in their creation of mobile sites.

Resource Review 1: W3C Mobile Web Best Practices 1.0

W3C Mobile Web Best Practices 1.0

In 2008, the W3C unveiled this website, a complete list of best practices for creating a mobile website. It covers everything from the Scope of a mobile website to User Goals to Advertising and much more. The website is extremely long, and unless you were actually thinking of building a mobile website with little or no experience, it would be hard to read it in its entirety. However, in addition to best practices, the authors at W3C offer significant commentary on mobile devices. For example, this excerpt is from the section on "Advantages":

"Moreover, with mobile devices appearing in all shapes and forms, and with a growing variety of features like location technology, cameras, voice recognition, touch screens etc, the Web can reach a much wider audience, and at all times in all situations. It has the opportunity to reach into places where wires cannot go, to places previously unthinkable (e.g. providing medical info to mountain rescue scenes) and to accompany everyone as easily as they carry the time on their wristwatches."

Also, important practical information is given in the website. For example, it specifies that it is best to code the site in XML or XHTML and to use CSS for styling. Information regarding browser configuration for mobile devices is present as well. Overall, this is an excellent resource that should be consulted if interested in creating a mobile site, or interested in mobile sites in general. Information architects working for libraries would surely benefit as well.

Finally, note the two mobile sites I found:

UW Madison Ebling Library for the Health Sciences Mobile Site

and

New York Public Library Mobile Site