Investigation into the Challenges Associated with the Delivery of Library Services on Mobile Technology Platform

Abstract

Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a lot of work in this area. This study assesses some of the challenges associated with the delivery of library services on mobile technology (m-tech) platforms. A survey research design and the mixed method approach were used in conducting this research. The topmost m-tech based library services identified in the study include mobile digital repository; mobile online public access catalogues; referencing services; SMS alerts; selective dissemination of information as well as mobile instructional guides and tours. The study established that insufficient ICT infrastructure; bureaucratic processes; poor internet bandwidth; lack of IT experts and staff; lack of a policy framework; erratic or unstable power supply; lack of support from the university management; in addition to financial constraints prohibited the full provision of library services through m-tech across the libraries studies. Based on these findings, this research offers some recommendations that would serve to overcome, in part the challenges associated with the implementation of m-tech based library services in academic libraries.

Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal

“…Universities and libraries across the world rebooted and deployed virtual and remote information delivery (Omeluzor et al, 2022) and other technological systems to ensure quality education during the COVID 19 (Adarkwah, 2021;Edem Adzovie and Jibril, 2022). While most of the libraries adopted the social media platform (Animante et al, 2021;Darko-Adjei and Zewu, 2021), others adopted the web-based system for information delivery (Adarkwah, 2021;Acheampong and Dei, 2020;Dei, 2020).…”

“…Some of the mobile technology-based library services adopted to ensure quality of education as a sustainable development goal during the COVID 19 (Zaidi et al, 2021) include mobile online public access catalog (MOPAC), mobile e-journal, mobile databases, short messaging services (SMS) for reference services, mobile collections (e-books, audio materials), mobile digitized thesis, mobile library tour/instruction (Zaidi et al, 2021;Acheampong and Dei, 2020;Dei, 2020). A study by Mansouri and Asl (2019) revealed that the most contemporary services that users want to have on their mobile devices are mobile collections and databases, circulation and renewal services, mobile reference services (ask a librarian) and mobile library tours or instruction.…”

“…While most of the libraries adopted the social media platform (Animante et al. , 2021; Darko-Adjei and Zewu, 2021), others adopted the web-based system for information delivery (Adarkwah, 2021; Acheampong and Dei, 2020; Dei, 2020).…”

Problems and Prospects of Mobile Technologies in the Digital Space of Scientific Knowledge in Libraries

“…Финансовые ограничения. Одной из часто упоминаемых проблем, связанных с внедрением мобильных технологий в библиотечную деятельность, называют финансовые ограничения (Acheampong, Dei, 2020;Chamberlain et al, 2015;Chisenga, 2015). IT-компании также ставят эту проблему на первое место (Казарян и др., 2020).…”

“…Для поддержки работоспособности мобильных технологий необходима адаптивная, высокопроизводительная, безопасная, надежная IT-инфраструктура. Из-за финансовых ограничений некоторые библиотеки прибегают к использованию менее дорогостоящих, устаревших, недостаточных для развития собственной цифровой среды программных, вычислительных и телекоммуникационных средств (Acheampong, Dei, 2020). Это может стать причиной частых сбоев в работе мобильных сервисов или полного отсутствия доступа к ним.…”