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23 Mobile Things: self-directed and effective professional learning

Michael Stephens (School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University, San José, California, USA)

Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124

Article publication date: 10 November 2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the “Mobile 23 Things” survey results from the program offered by Guldborgsund-bibliotekerne (a public library in Denmark) and present the findings as support for professional development (PD) models to increase library staff familiarity with emerging technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an integrated, exploratory approach, a web-based survey tool, developed for a previous Learning 2.0 study, was adapted for this study, with survey questions translated English – Danish, and responses Danish – English. The data gathered from both pre- and post-program surveys are presented and analyzed.

Findings

The research results identify that 23 Mobile Things increases familiarity with movable technologies, promotes inclusive learning, and can be an effective model for delivering PD.

Originality/value

This paper reports on the first research study to evaluate the 23 Mobile Things model and provides evidence that this model of library staff PD can be an overall beneficial experience that increases staff knowledge and expertise related to mobile devices and applications.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Jan Holmquist for his work on this 23 Mobile Things program and for partnering for research. Thanks also to Kenneth P. Nielsen of Phrase It for his assistance with the survey translations.

Citation

Stephens, M. (2014), "23 Mobile Things: self-directed and effective professional learning", Library Management, Vol. 35 No. 8/9, pp. 582-593. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2014-0034

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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