Librarians using mobile devices
by Rachel Vacek
Unconference, ALA Annual
July 10, 2009

What we did at
the UH Libraries
• Microgrant
• 8 iPod Touch devices
• Librarians checked
them out
• Survey of usage
• Video Interviews

We decided to broaden our focus

Why?
Instead of
ONLY
focusing on
the mobile needs
of library USERS,
we started to
focus more
on the mobile needs
of LIBRARIANS
to better interact
with library users -
since we know
our users already
use mobile devices!

New
opportunities
& surprising
outcomes
• Partnership with Professor in Computer Science
• Perfect opportunity to build mobile library site and
promote apps built by students
• Library Administration approves iPod Touches and or
netbooks for all librarians

Suggestions
• Write a microgrant or similar detailed proposal
• Look for collaboration opportunities in your community
• Create buy-in with library administration
• Investigate peer libraries using mobiles devices
• Hold a mobile device petting zoo and do training
• Don't be afraid to play!
• Use mobile devices everywhere, and record successes
• Share your experiences