The Best Things in Life Are Free (Or Pretty Cheap): Three Mobile Initiatives That Can Be Done Now

Lilia Murray

doi:10.1108/S0065-2830(2011)0000034010

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Advances in Librarianship

ISSN: 0065-2830
Series editor(s): Anne Woodsworth and W. David Penniman

Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

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The Best Things in Life Are Free (Or Pretty Cheap): Three Mobile Initiatives That Can Be Done Now

Document Information:
Title:	The Best Things in Life Are Free (Or Pretty Cheap): Three Mobile Initiatives That Can Be Done Now
Author(s):	Lilia Murray
Volume:	34 Editor(s): Anne Woodsworth ISBN: 978-1-78052-390-3 eISBN: 978-1-78052-391-0
Citation:	Lilia Murray (2011), The Best Things in Life Are Free (Or Pretty Cheap): Three Mobile Initiatives That Can Be Done Now, in Anne Woodsworth (ed.) Librarianship in Times of Crisis (Advances in Librarianship, Volume 34), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.139-157
DOI:	10.1108/S0065-2830(2011)0000034010 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Abstract:	The purpose of this chapter is to present a general review of free or inexpensive methods of implementing the following mobile services in libraries: Library Websites, Short Message Service (SMS) reference, and Mobile Online Public Access Catalogs (MOPACs). The findings were based on a literature review of materials that discussed mobile technologies in libraries. The findings conclude that libraries with tight budgets should approach their mobilization project in terms of stages, developing content and services sequentially from passive formats, which require little input, to more dynamic items, which entail greater interaction. Most free and inexpensive mobile services are geared toward passive formats, providing a starting point for libraries with limited budgets. Scope of the chapter is limited to public and university libraries and initiatives for smartphones. Prices listed are in USD as of January 2011 and may be subject to change. The costs of training, management, and development time by libraries were not factored into the costs. Mobile services have become one of the biggest new library trends. Simply keeping abreast of library service options made possible through advances in mobile technology can be a challenge. In addition, tough economic times have prevented many libraries from actually implementing mobile services. This chapter discusses a number of ways for libraries to create their own mobile initiative with little to no money at all—except of course for the hidden cost of staff effort.