Mobile AccessWhat do libraries want?

Claire Koch

Virtual Support & eServices Developer

University of Surrey

Background

• Queries about apps being advertised on publisher sites

• Queries about how to use certain apps

• Increased use of mobile devices around the library

Background

• Increased access of Library website on mobile devices

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2010-2011 2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013

Mobile access

University of Surrey Mobile project

Library resources

• Library website

• Maps

• Information

• Booking systems

Aims to improve access to our resources and information from any device, anywhere

Supplier resources

• eBooks

• eJournals

• Databases

• Catalogue/Discovery

Devices

Images from Wikimedia Commons

Investigating useful apps

• 170 Providers checked:

• 17 had mobile optimised sites only

• 28 had apps

• 14 had usable/useful apps

Yes

If there was an

app

If it was mobile friendly

No

Would you access eResources on your phone/tablet?

On a mobile friendly

publisher's website

From a University

app

From the Library website

I don't want

to

How would you like to access eResources on your phone/tablet?

What do students & libraries want?

• Easy to use

• Easy authentication

• Easy to search and browse

We want it to be

• Athens/Shibboleth/Institutional Login

• Device pairing/twinning

• Activation key/login

• Social Media

• IP Recognition

Authentication options

• Clear instructions

• Clear whether you are logged in or not

• Clear distinction between full text and summary only articles

• Clear navigation

We want it to be

• Fast to load

• Full text availability

• Ability to download full text to read offline

• Ability to export citations

• Accessible

We want it to be

• Students already pay fees

• Libraries already pay for subscriptions

• Unless offering new/extra content, it should be free to students

We want it to be

We don’t want…

• Unclear and inconsistent authentication options

• Authentication that requires you to be on campus

• Apps that crash

• Apps that don’t provide full text

• Apps that are just marketing tools with no content

Summary

• All publisher websites should be mobile-friendly

• Apps should have full text, clear navigation, easy authentication and should be fast

What would make a brilliant app?

“Only ask for login details once”

“Speed it up”

“Clear sign-posting”

Thank you!

Claire KochVirtual Support & eServices Developer

c.koch@surrey.ac.uk@claire_joanne

Claire GravelyInformation Resources Advisor

c.gravely@surrey.ac.uk@library_claire