Mobile services at academic libraries: meeting the users’ needs?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how academic libraries in the USA have responded to the rapidly evolving mobile environment and to determine if there is a noticeable, comprehensive pattern to instituting mobile services.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher surveyed library mobile services of 73 academic libraries at Carnegie Foundation rated RU/VH institutions. Based on this survey, the paper describes the current state of mobile services at very high research universities.

Findings

While most academic libraries at research universities have some sort of mobile presence, what is offered is highly varied and is not predictable. There are still many notable University libraries that have no mobile presence.

Practical implications

This study highlights the inconsistent nature of mobile services at research universities and identifies best practices in place at others.

Originality/value

This is the first study to employ the Carnegie Foundation ratings of the university in which the library functions.

Citation

Bomhold, C. (2014), "Mobile services at academic libraries: meeting the users’ needs?", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 336-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-10-2013-0138