June 23, 2007ALA Annual Conference The Mobile Computing Project: Ball State University Libraries ( Bradley D. Faust Assist. Dean for Library Info Technology Services Ball State University Libraries

ALA Annual Conference Presentation Overview Current state of mobile technology Why mobile technology should be important to libraries The Mobile Computing Project at the Ball State University Libraries The BSU Libraries mobile web site Two mobile development efforts Possible future work

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Device Options

ALA Annual Conference Current State of Mobile Better, faster, higher capacity networks and handheld devices Video can be streamed over cell networks, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, WiMAX Cost/performance for device ownership, subscription fees, is better than ever But what does this mean for libraries?

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Technology and Libraries The University Libraries and Ball State University, like many, are eager to embrace new information technologies Mobile computing is a creative space with interesting opportunities for library services Mobile technology is increasingly supporting teaching and learning (Course Management Systems)

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Technology and Libraries Smart small-screen devices represent changes in the way we communicate – we believe libraries should have a role in this environment Devices are powerful, and many library users have this technology today Students and others embrace mobile technologies

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Library Applications Audio book/Ebook services Mobile search, including library material Quick fact (spell check, stock quote, weather, maps) Directional/virtual tours of library facilities, library services Video tutorials, instructional videos Texting, messaging

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Project - Why Observation that so many library customers have powerful mobile computing devices Desire to reach these individuals through the devices they use Rapid expansion of wireless voice and data network services Determine the role and opportunities for libraries in this technology space

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Computing Project Funded by a LSTA technology mini-grant from the Indiana State Library and IMLS Work began in May 2004 Addressed the possibilities of integrating library services and collections (resources) with mobile computing devices Original focus was on data enabled cell phones, evolved to include other mobile devices

ALA Annual Conference University Libraries Mobile Regular web sites unfriendly on mobile devices –Images are too large for small screens –Pages too long for scrolling –Pages too big to fit in memory –Wasteful of minutes –JavaScript, other scripting languages do not work

ALA Annual Conference University Libraries Mobile How does the Mobile Site work better on small screen devices? –Short pages –Easy to read fonts –Easy to navigate –Minimal images –Anywhere access

ALA Annual Conference

ALA Annual Conference

ALA Annual Conference CardCat Mobile – Phase 1 Custom Gateway to CardCat system designed for mobile devices Smaller graphics Accessible through library mobile web site on main page Ran into issues – moved forward with MOPAC

ALA Annual Conference CardCat Mobile – Phase II Uses Z39.50 based services Developed using Microsoft Visual Studio Development environment Served as a basis for our grant request It worked!

ALA Annual Conference

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Journals Searchable index of Journals and other Serial Communications available from the University Libraries (search titles) Limits results to online titles Provides hot links to online resources User-friendly navigation Format and design fits small-screen devices

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Journals - Examples

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Journals - Examples

ALA Annual Conference

ALA Annual Conference Mobile Video Provides access to low bandwidth versions of library promotional videos Provides access to low bandwidth versions of instructional video (limited access) Work best on PocketPC devices with a Wi-Fi connection (2006) The video streams are in Windows Media format

ALA Annual Conference Google Co-op Site Search This year, added Google Co-op search to mobile site Replaced mobile sitemap option on the mobile homepage Leverages the power of Google Search Increases usability and usefulness of mobile site

ALA Annual Conference

ALA Annual Conference Possible Future Work Build out the CardCat Mobile product Build out the Mobile Journals product Build other library services –Text messaging about available material –Investigate access to academic information resources –‘Mobilize’ our material resource locator Look at blog, RSS, wiki and other 2.0 solutions for mobile devices

ALA Annual Conference University Libraries Mobile Available at – We are interested in comments and suggestions to improve the site Feedback link on mobile web site

ALA Annual Conference Web Resources University Libraries Mobile Site – University Libraries Mobile “Jump” page – Mobile Computing Project Web Site – Ball State University’s mobile site –

ALA Annual Conference Project Team Bradley D. Faust – –Assistant Dean for Lib Info Tech Services Andy West – –Mobile Computing Developer Stan Shannon –Special Projects Developer Project Co-Investigators –Arthur W. Häfner, Ph.D., M.B.A., & Bradley D. Faust

ALA Annual Conference Thank You This project was supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library.

ALA Annual Conference Contact Information Bradley D. Faust Ball State University Libraries Muncie, Indiana (765)