Library Hi Tech, Volume 33, Issue 1, March 2015.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the response of Canadian academic libraries to the rapid proliferation of mobile apps, many of which are useful for research, teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted to identify existing initiatives that address the use of mobile apps to facilitate research, teaching and learning at the libraries of the 97 member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Based on this survey, this paper describes how apps are promoted, curated, organized and described by today’s academic libraries. A review of the literature places this survey in its broader context. Findings 37% of Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) member libraries include links to mobile apps in their website. Larger, research-intensive universities, tend to leverage apps more frequently than smaller institutions. Examples of how academic libraries are promoting apps provide insight into how academic librarians are responding to the proliferation of mobile technology. Practical implications The results of this survey highlight trends with regard to this emerging service opportunity, help to establish current best practices in the response of academic libraries to the emergence of mobile applications, and identify areas for potential future development. Originality/value This is the first study of its kind to explore and describe how third-party apps are used and promoted within an academic library context.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the response of Canadian academic libraries to the rapid proliferation of mobile apps, many of which are useful for research, teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted to identify existing initiatives that address the use of mobile apps to facilitate research, teaching and learning at the libraries of the 97 member institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Based on this survey, this paper describes how apps are promoted, curated, organized and described by today’s academic libraries. A review of the literature places this survey in its broader context. Findings 37% of Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) member libraries include links to mobile apps in their website. Larger, research-intensive universities, tend to leverage apps more frequently than smaller institutions. Examples of how academic libraries are promoting apps provide insight into how academic librarians are responding to the proliferation of mobile technology. Practical implications The results of this survey highlight trends with regard to this emerging service opportunity, help to establish current best practices in the response of academic libraries to the emergence of mobile applications, and identify areas for potential future development. Originality/value This is the first study of its kind to explore and describe how third-party apps are used and promoted within an academic library context.
