http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0090-7324.htm Table of Contents from the most recently published issues of Reference Services Review en-us 2010 Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/info/pics/journals/rsr-cover-xix.gif 120 157 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this article is to present the results of a usability study which inquired into undergraduate student information seeking with Wikipedia on the iPod touch.<B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - Data are drawn from iPod search logs and student survey responses. Search log data are coded with FRBR subject entities (group 3 entity sets) for analysis.<B>Findings</B> - Students characterize the overall nature of information searched for with the Wikipedia app to be for recreational and for short factual information. Recreational searching as a way undergraduate students utilize mobile technology is an earlier finding of Wikipedia iPod usage, and is verified as a trend of undergraduate student search using the iPod. All undergraduate student participants of the Wikipedia app on a mobile interface report this tool as helping to become more efficient in their research. Students viewed Wikipedia articles about people and concepts more so than other article types.<B>Originality/value</B> - Undergraduate student mobile search log analysis over a specific type of information resource on the iPod Touch is an original usability project. Previous mobile search log analysis analyzes thousands of unknown users and millions of anonymous queries, where the devices used for searching are not always identifiable and trends about touch screens cannot be asserted. Mr. Jim Hahn Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this article is to review one library’s experiences of creating mobile services and illustrate how, by developing expertise in emerging technologies, libraries can foster partnerships with other groups on campus and play a leading role in providing relevant student centred services. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - The paper begins with a brief summary of mobile services offered by the Ryerson Library prior to the fall of 2008, discusses the results of a mobile device survey conducted that semester , and outlines the resulting mobile services that were developed by the Library which lead to a campus-wide collaboration to develop the framework for a student led mobile initiative. The technical framework and project management issues will also be discussed.<B>Findings</B> - A survey performed by the Ryerson University Library in the fall of 2008 indicated that smart phones were owned by approximately 20% of the student population but that within the next three years, this figure could reach as much as 80%. To remain relevant, it is important that libraries adapt their services to this new environment<B>Practical implications</B> - This paper illustrates how library services that can be adapted to the mobile environment and how the library can play a role in broader campus mobile initiatives. <B>Originality/value</B> - All libraries will be interested in exploring the library services that were developed and adapted for mobile devices and of particular interest to academic libraries will be the building of collaborative relationships with other academic department to provide services to students. Ms. Sally Wilson, Mr. Graham McCarthy Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this paper is to compile and explain the mobile services developed by the Rector Gabriel Ferraté Library (BRGF) of the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), in Barcelona, Spain. From a larger amount of technological features that distinguish the BRGF, only those with a main mobile component are gathered in the article.<B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - A case study perspective is used to have a detailed picture of the mobile services and features offered by the library on both the university and the Spanish technological contexts. The article aims to show the effectiveness and potential to deliver library services through the preferred tools of a new generation of students.<B>Findings</B> - Offering mobile services has amplified the use of the library in different ways and has improved the image of the library as a technological reference for users and librarians. From a general point of view, being ahead of the game has showed as an appropriate strategy for the library when implementing new technological services.<B>Originality/value</B> - The paper will be useful for libraries searching new and innovative technological channels to communicate and deliver their services. So far, there’re very few articles about mobile services in European libraries and very few Spanish libraries with a significant number of these services for their users. Mr. Miquel Codina, Mr. Andrés Pérez, Mr. Javier Clavero Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this paper is to present a review of selected mobile technology literature and to inform librarians about the following seven mobile initiatives: 1. Library Websites 2. SMS Reference 3. MOPACs (Mobile OPACs) and Integrated Library Systems 4. Mobile Collections 5. eBooks and Mobile Reading 6. Mobile Instruction 7. Mobile Audio/Video Tours <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - A literature review is gathered from periodical articles as well as a number of well-known blogs discussing mobile initiatives in libraries. <B>Findings</B> - Listed in order of importance to most patrons, the seven initiatives examined in this article were chosen because their widespread discussion in the literature, at presentations, and on blogs suggests that they are moving beyond mere trends and are becoming best practices. The development and implementation of these mobile services can range from work-intensive and expensive to scalable, inexpensive solutions. <B>Originality/value</B> - The information may be used by libraries seeking to add mobile technologies in order to enhance their traditional services, making them not only more available, but also more relevant to their users. In addition, the examinations provide, where possible, the author's recommendations for libraries seeking to implement such initiatives and suggests directions for future applications. Mrs. Lilia Florentine Murray Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - The research aims to present evidence that cultural diversity influences students’ desire to utilize library resources and reference services on their mobile devices. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - A paper survey was administered voluntarily to undergraduate students to analysis how cultural diversity impacts the types of mobile device based reference services students desired and how likely they were to access librarians for live research assistance on their mobile devices.<B>Findings</B> - The paper provides evidence that cultural diversity and gender impacts desired mobile device reference services among undergraduate students. White male and African American female students reported a higher likeliness and desire to access librarians for live assistance on their mobile devices. White females indicated, to a large extent, a desire to access e-books and e-magazines on their mobile devices more than any other group. Anecdotally, White females also preferred chat based reference inside Facebook. <B>Research limitations/implications</B> - The study was limited to one campus college location of a large research 1 public university during the fall 2009 semester. Incorporating mobile devices in reference services has yet to fully evolve as an emerging field of study in librarianship. <B>Practical implications</B> - Library and information science professionals will gain valuable insight into how cultural variances impact students’ desired engagement with reference librarians, what types of mobile device based reference services undergraduate students’ prefer, and influencing factors in their mobile device selection process. <B>Originality/value</B> - The paper represents the first study that examines cultural diversity as a determinant in desired mobile device based reference services among undergraduates. This research also highlights possible directions for future qualitative and quantitative diversity research studies in librarianship. Ms. Alexia Hudson Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - This article will outline the development of a Skype-based, study abroad reference service. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - We will discuss the criteria we used for technology and situate the project in the literature on study abroad reference services.<B>Findings</B> - Using Skype, a free video-conferencing software, allows librarians to offer reference services to study abroad students effectively, easily, and without new technologies or significant cost. <B>Originality/value</B> - The article will offer other librarians strategies for developing and launching similar programs and share challenges encountered to prepare librarians for success in their own projects. Mr. Andy Burkhardt, Ms. Sarah Faye Cohen Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - This paper seeks to create an empirical framework for SMS reference services so that libraries may develop a greater understanding of what this service looks like and how it may be improved. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - The authors conducted a quantitative analysis of 577 SMS transactions, representing 628 reference questions, received during the 2008-2009 academic year. Each transaction was coded by type of question, transaction length in messages or "events," and transaction duration in time. <B>Findings</B> - SMS transactions exhibit a higher degree than expected of variability in total number of events, duration, and content. Overall, duration of transaction averaged 4.34 hours, and number of events per transaction averaged 3.79. Calculating separately for those transactions that contained a reference query—which comprises 40% of the total questions received—noticeably altered the results. The duration of reference queries averaged 4.85 hours while the number of events averaged 4.65. Where reference queries occurred there was a high incidence of user expressions of gratitude, regardless of duration or number of events exchanged. These results support the conclusion that users do not expect a purely synchronous service, though faster response time and thoroughness of answer do show a relationship with higher user satisfaction.<B>Originality/value</B> - Many of the findings of this study challenge currently held assumptions and impressions regarding the nature and potential of SMS reference services in academic libraries. Ms. Kara M. Whatley, Ms. Alexa L. Pearce, Mr. Scott Collard Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - This study seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and effective methods of implementing and managing a collaborative text reference service.<B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - This study employs the case study approach to examine the practice of the first nation-wide collaborative text reference service My Info Quest and evaluate the effectiveness of the organization and operation of this collaboration. <B>Findings</B> - Findings of the study indicate that librarians participating in My Info Quest are generally satisfied with the service organization and operation, however, more work is needed in the area of schedule accountability, communication and sustainability. <B>Originality/value</B> - My Info Quest is the first collaborative text reference service in the nation. Through the detailed depiction and evaluation of My Info Quest’s experience, this paper can help interested libraries gain a better understanding of how to establish a collaborative text reference service and what challenges they will be facing. Dr. Lili Luo, Lori Bell Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - To provide an overview of the current state of worldwide mobile usage; mobile technologies; libraries’ use of mobile technologies including a review of library mobile catalog options, both vendor-supplied and in-house created; perspectives from current library leaders and innovators on the importance of incorporating the libraries’ resources into the mobile environment; and future directions for mobile library services.<B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - A range of recently published literature (2008-2010), which aims to provide practical statistics and resources for libraries wishing to mobilize their Web site, are summarized in order to provide the reader with tools for creating a mobile library proposal. The sources are sorted into sections: mobile phone popularity, smartphones/Web-enabled phones, mobile phone use, library mobile Web sites and catalogs, and what library leaders have to say.<B>Findings</B> - Provides an evaluative summary of mobile statistics and resources, indicating the salient points and how to find more information for libraries wishing to draft a mobile library proposal. <B>Practical implications</B> - A useful source of information for both libraries wishing to create a proposal for a mobile library site, and for libraries that simply want an overview of the current state of mobile use and technologies.<B>Originality/value</B> - This paper includes up-to-date data about worldwide mobile phone penetration rates and mobile phone use, and is the first to argue for proposing the development of both a mobile library Web site and a mobile catalog. Ms. Laurie M Bridges, Ms. Hannah Gascho Rempel, Ms. Kim Griggs Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010 <B>Abstract:</B><BR/> <B>Purpose</B> - We may be on the verge of a revolutionary phase of mobile device use in higher education broadly and libraries in particular.<B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - Through an examination of trends and technological developments in the area of mobile devices and a review of the potential of mobile devices, this article analyzes the potential of mobile devices in academic libraries.<B>Findings</B> - Most college students own cell phones and laptops and the capabilities of these and other devices are expanding. <B>Research limitations/implications</B> - Libraries have the opportunity to extend new types of services to users of mobile devices and to develop, license, or otherwise make available scholarly content that is configured for mobile devices. Ideally, libraries will become part of an institutional planning process for the development of services for mobile devices.<B>Practical implications</B> - The more pervasive use by students of smartphones, the uptake of e-book readers, and the increasing use of mobile devices in some areas of the curriculum all have implications for libraries. <B>Originality/value</B> - This article synthesizes developments and provides suggestions for the future. Ms. Joan K. Lippincott Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010