Mobile phone use among Ukrainian and US students: a library perspective
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 6 June 2022
Issue publication date: 9 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine college/university students’ mobile phone practices to understand key user preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of prospective library informational mobile services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the results of an online-survey method. The authors recruited students majoring in the Information Science program in School of Information at Pratt Institute (USA) (74 participants) and in Kyiv National University of Cultural and Arts (Ukraine) (89 participants).
Findings
The general trends in the use of mobile technologies by American and Ukrainian students were identified. Key components of library mobile services are offered. Such services may include information and reference service via messengers; development of library mobile applications of audio and video content; access to educational, scientific, popular science literature and fiction; and supplementing online services with library chatbots.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to only students majoring in information science at university; however, the data obtained helps outline several general trends common to student youth who are actively working with information.
Practical implications
The obtained results will be useful in the practical activities of libraries and other information institutions for the development of a comprehensive information service based on mobile technology.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding how to improve library informational service considering users habits and preferences. Libraries management and librarians can use the findings as a basis for prioritizing the improvement of library informational mobile service.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank our participants for their contributions. The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers for the helpful feedback. This study was conducted before the start of the Russia–Ukraine war. The authors stand with the people of Ukraine and hope to continue their collaboration in the future.Funding: The study did not receive any special funding.Ethics: The research was conducted in compliance with recognized ethical standards, norms and principles.
Citation
Hranchak, T., Dease, N. and Lopatovska, I. (2024), "Mobile phone use among Ukrainian and US students: a library perspective", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 73 No. 1/2, pp. 161-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2021-0213
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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