Search results

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a usability study of information search on mobile devices, seeking to understand mobile computing best practice in the design of library services.

Three second‐year undergraduate students took part in this semester long study. They are loaned iPods with a Wikipedia copy to use as desired. Usability data are drawn from search logs recording titles of the articles searched and an internet‐based survey completed by students.

Students characterize the nature of information searched for on the Wikipedia iPods as recreational. Students did not utilize the iPods for academic research. Search logs show students viewed articles primarily about objects.

The results of this paper do not show generalized principles of mobile search. More data collected from additional sets of users are needed in order to articulate principles of mobile search.

If it is the case that students will primarily make use of mobile computing for recreational or leisurely purposes then library services on mobile computing platforms must be designed accordingly.

The paper presents methods for the study of information search though mobile computing and poses questions resulting from this paper that require further study.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the implementation process one academic library used to create a loanable technology program to address student needs for multiple technologies that support and facilitate assignments and other projects, including an increasing number that are multimodal.

This is a case study utilizing focus groups and management data to detail best practices for implementing and maintaining a loanable technology program.

Preliminary results indicate that this program provides value to students and coursework, as well as justifying creating a budget line to support further program development. Implementing a loanable technology program requires additional strategies for policies and procedures related to acquisition, budget allocation, processing, cataloging, check‐out, replacement, and security of the equipment, as well as marketing the service. Findability and equitable student access to loanable technology are also discussed.

An extensive programmatic evaluation method has yet to be put into place to assess the impact of this program. Suggestions for improvements in the program are included.

The process and strategies described in this paper can be replicated by other institutions that are interested in creating a loanable technology program.

Although many institutions provide some loanable technology, there is little written that documents decisions made that lead to a successful, robust, and sustainable program.

This paper aims to present a review of selected mobile learning literature and programmatic approaches for librarians interested in developing mobile digital library services in order to equip readers with a framework for understanding and appreciating mobile digital librarianship.

A literature review is culled from distance learning, medical informatics and medical librarianship, internet social studies, and human computer interaction research. Much of the research reviewed focuses on recently released reports as well as library services utilizing mobile technology.

The study finds that mobile learning has seen increased service development, but has not yet evolved to be a robust field in librarianship.

The field of mobile digital technology advances very quickly. This research represents the state of mobile learning in mid‐2008.

Library and information professionals will gain a sound conceptual grasp of the social science of mobile technology; the science of mobile technology, and current applications for mobile technology.

This paper addresses issues about the feasibility and future development for library services utilizing mobile technology, provides directions for future individual study and institutional research and development.

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to discuss managing sustainability across an industry and examine the catalyst, enablers, and challenges for systems-level change through a case study of one organization, the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), and its participation in the Sustainable Enterprise Executive Roundtable (SEER) action learning network.

Methodology/approach – The chapter uses a case study approach, written by reflective practitioners in action.

Findings – The challenges and enablers of achieving organizational change for sustainability within the POLA ecology are addressed as part of a forcefield of enablers and obstacles. Action learning in the context of collaborative projects across the ecology becomes a key process for managing change toward a sustainable goods movement ecosystem.

Research/practical implications – The chapter is addressed to those scholar-practitioners who struggle with issues of organizational change for sustainability outcomes. The core work is to align organizations, within and around the node organization, for sustainability. By analyzing the systems forcefield, we can better perceive the implications for action and identify leverage for change.

Social implications – Organizations are the key unit for culture change for sustainability within society. Engaging with other organizations involved in the work of sustainability is required to create systems-level change.

Originality/value – The scholarly contribution is based on revisiting the usefulness of Lewin's Change Forcefield, which the authors have adapted by integrating the concepts of the learning organization and systems thinking to help understand change and redesign efforts for sustainability within and among organizations.