LIBR 246 Week 13

• If a library were only able to offer one mobile based service, what do you think it should be and why?

I think the most important mobile based service to provide is the basic library website.  Without the basic hours and location it may prove less inviting for patrons. The website should have simple and easily accessible links to the hours of operation, locations, services (like speakers, story times, etc.), and links to other mobile based social networks like Facebook and Pinterest pages. Also, any mobile reference services already offered by the library should be included with this webpage through easy links.  If a student is accessing a mobile website we can be fairly confident that would be one of the preferred ways to communicate with librarians and other information sites.  

The article by Houghton also recommended providing a link to allow for feedback on how the site is functioning. This feedback would be vital in assessing the strength of the mobile website, correcting any faults, and potentially expanding mobile services.  I also think, with any mobile service, it is key to provide a link to the main site, so people are not forced to use the mobile site if is not providing them with exactly what they want or are used to.  This is a pet peeve of mine, sometimes I don’t want the mobile website and can not find a link back to the main sit...very frustrating! 

In a perfect world, every library would offer their catalog online for users to browse, search, reserve, and even review.  However, a basic website must be available in a mobile format first for basic functionality, and later perhaps a catalog link can be added.

Houghton, S. (2012). Mobile services for broke libraries: 10 steps to mobile success. Reference Librarian, 53(3), 313-321.

LIBR 246 Week 12

• What types of services could libraries offer with user-generated content? The advantages and disadvantages?

From the readings I love the idea of using users to correct catalog errors.  I would also encourage user-generated content reliability ratings of sources found in the library.  I also love the idea of a historical event being given a true personal touch with user-generated artifacts and memories.  This would really only work with a huge user population, and even then only a few library patrons will participate and only some of them will be truly consistent and helpful.  I think the hardest part of implementing crowdsourcing is the time and long term commitment required.  
Information is no longer one way, it is interactive.  When I tell people I am a librarian, they ask me if libraries will be around much longer, or if librarians are needed anymore (yes...these people are very rude).  Libraries have served as a community hub and center for information like no other public forum has for years.  It is user-generated content that will continue the community piece of libraries everywhere in this digital age, and add a whole new successful dynamic to all that libraries offer.  Allowing users to contribute to a library goals frees up staff for other items on an agenda, or allows a goal to be accomplished that would otherwise never get done.  Users add an extra expertise, knowledge, and value to any project.  They also add the personal touches like tags, comments, and ratings.  By encouraging patrons to participate with their library this can encourage loyalty, trust, and a public ownership in the information and goals of the library.  In this day and age libraries need community support and can use all the help they can get accomplishing goals that will benefit the community.