Using Mobile Technology to Deliver Library Services: a Handbook

An informed and action‐packed Handbook written by a leading information professional. This will be a valuable reference tool for librarians wondering how to go about developing relevant mobile library services for their customers.

The layout and style of writing are accessible, and the content is practical and engaging. With 8 core chapters as well as introductory and concluding chapters, a clearly set out Table of Contents and an Index, it is easy to read and to locate topics and references. In keeping with the recognition that information practitioners need to keep learning, “Further Reading” sections are included at the end of each chapter, as well as the introductory chapter. These take the form of brief annotated bibliographies of some relevant useful resources on the topics covered in each chapter.

The Handbook meets its purposes of being a source of ideas and examples of how library services can be delivered by mobile devices; of providing the librarian with information to decide what practical and useful mobile services they might introduce in their library – and how to go about it to ensure it is successful for the customers and the library.

A consistent theme is the advice to develop customer centric services for our libraries, and the selection of Case Studies offers the learner a practical focus and a range of mobile service examples in different libraries in different countries. As we continue to review our services we are encouraged to always keep in touch with how our customers would like to interact with the library and what services they would find it useful to be developed.

This handbook will succeed in breaking down any barriers librarians may have with learning about potential mobile library services and I recommend it as a core reference resource for any library collection