Resource Review 5: The Pew Internet and American Life Project: The Future of the Internet III

The Pew Internet and American Life Project released the study, "The Future of the Internet III" in December 2008, and there were many interesting points regarding mobile devices. When you go to the study , the first paragraph under overview notes "A survey of internet leaders, activists and analysts shows they expect major tech advances as the phone becomes a primary device for online access, voice-recognition improves, artificial and virtual reality become more embedded in everyday life, and the architecture of the internet itself improves." Also, the first finding listed in the summary of findings is: "The mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the internet for most people in the world in 2020."

The first scenario described in the section about mobile devices is called "The Evolution of Mobile Internet Connections." The subtitle is "Respondents say mobility is key to sharing information everywhere in the world." Today, libraries are still one of the major hubs for information, but they will meet competition with mobile devices. Information share is one of the most important aspects of the libary (public, special, and academic), and libraries are no longer only about books. Libraries must meet the competition with gusto, and enhance their mobile websites.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project is a trusted source, and the findings must be taken seriously. For public libraries in particular, the study offers significant advice. For example, mobile devices are a way to bridge the digital divide. In 2020, the survey predicts, 50% of the bottom three quarters of the world's population with have internet access, and mobile devices are a way to 'promote digital inclusion.' An enormous physical infrastructure is not necessarily needed if mobile devices can provide wireless access.

Since public libraries are institutions that often serve the bottom three quarters of the population, they can use mobile technologies to their advantage. If not creating a mobile library website of its own due to lack of staff or funds, I believe libraries can embrace the mobile trend in other ways. They could possibly implement text messaging services, or bring awareness of the possibilities of mobile devices through signs or other advertisements. In 2020, we will see if the predictions of the Pew Internet and American Life Project regarding mobile devices ring true, but for now, libraries all over the world should get connected with mobile phones.


Full citation: Rainie, L. & Anderson, J. (2008). "The future of the Internet III." Accessible online at http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2008/The-Future-of-the-Internet-III.aspx