steve schafer, tony tin, colin elliott mobile library: connecting new generation of learners to the...
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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
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
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
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