Building a mobile collection

man with kindle

One way for a library to become an m-library is to create a collection that is designed for use on mobile devices.14

Purchase mobile devices

Libraries can purchase mobile devices, and then pre-load them with items. The devices can either be for patron use within the library or they can be loaned out.26 Patrons can also request items to be loaded onto the device.5 A common mobile device that libraries are currently purchasing is e-book readers, such as the Amazon Kindle.

Librarians need to be aware, however, that there has been controversy over whether libraries are allowed to circulate Kindles without breaking Amazon's terms and conditions of use.25 For more discussion on the topic, check out this posting: http://ireaderreview.com/2009/06/16/libraries-lending-kindle/

Circulate mobile-friendly items

Libraries can also build a digital collection of items that can be read or played on mobile devices.14 OverDrive is an example of a company that is currently helping thousands of libraries do this. It provides software for libraries to manage and distribute digital collections of e-books, audiobooks, videos and music. Patrons can check out an item from their library, and then the item is automatically returned after the loan period ends, enabling a new patron to download it. Many of these items will play on some mobile devices. As well, patrons with Windows Mobile devices no longer have to download files to a computer and then transfer them to the mobile device: OverDrive now offers a mobile-specific site for Windows Mobile devices.20

Make digital collections mobile

Libraries can help users who are using mobile devices access existing digital collections. For example, within the DukeMobile iTunes app, users can easily browse or search the university's digital image collections. 14

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