Mobile technology and libraries

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Mobile technology and libraries


Libraries should have some way for customers to engage with their services and resources when they are outside the building. In order to accomplish this, libraries should have good mobile technology in place. David Lee King explains that these basic services can be accomplished through mobile technology “checking out materials; accessing e-books and other e-resources; reading library news; getting notifications; asking a question” (Lee King 18). In his article, Lee King goes through each service and how libraries can use different technology to help patrons access these services. 

I think a good example of a library that uses mobile technology to allow patrons to access their resources is the San Diego Public Library. They have many different ways for patrons to engage in their services without ever stepping inside any of the branch buildings. Accessing the library’s catalog is an extremely important service, and the SDPL has several ways patrons can access it on the go. One way is to visit their webpage. They have 2 different ways to access the catalog. One way is to check out the catalog through bibliocommons and the second is through powerpack run by polaris. By using either of these, patrons can search through the catalog, put books on hold, view their account, and more. There is also an app associated with the bibliocommons catalog that allows users to access on their mobile devices. The app also allows access to e-books and e-resources. As far as news goes, the library’s main website is the best place to start. The home page displays events and programs available and any other news happening at the library. The SDPL also sends out a newsletter by email to anyone who would like to receive it. I think the SDPL is a great example of how to use mobile technology to help customers engage with every service stated in Lee King’s article. 


Visit the San Diego Public Library here! SDPL


Works Cited

Lee King, David. “Chapter 3: Mobile Outside the Library.” Library Technology Reports, vol. 57, 

    no. 2, Feb. 2021, pp. 18–23. EBSCOhost, 

    search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=148951873&site=ehost-live&scope=site.


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