Leveraging apps for research and learning: a survey of Canadian academic libraries

Canuel, Robin; Crichton, Chad

doi:10.1108/lht-12-2014-0115

Cited by 18 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Academic libraries need to leverage the growth in the use of apps. They have a commitment to keep faculty and students educated about resources that can improve their exploration, instruction and learning; smartphones can provide vital apps with features that help academic libraries enhance their services and meet students’ demands (Canuel and Crichton, 2015). Caniano and Catalano (2014) showed that students using smartphones are more likely to use library services – signifying that apps present libraries with an important opportunity to give the general population what they need and want.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions toward academic library app implementation

Al-Daihani

Almutairi

Alonaizi

et al. 2018

ILS

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of Kuwait University students majoring in the social sciences, faculty members and academic librarians toward mobile library applications (apps), which are not currently available. These technologies are highly desirable for students, but many libraries struggle to properly implement them. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative survey questionnaires were distributed to 400 undergraduate students, of which 184 valid and completed questionnaires were collected. In addition, three focus groups were conducted with social sciences graduate students, academics and librarians to further explore attitudes and perspectives toward library apps. Findings A majority of respondents (62 per cent) visited the academic library less than five times per month or never, but a smaller majority (57 per cent) also preferred to use a combination of computers and mobile devices to access library information. The most desirable student uses for library apps involved access to basic information or services such as library hours, book renewal or catalog searches. Most potential barriers to student use of library apps received low scores; only slow internet speed was considered a significant problem. Focus group discussions clarified that major concerns regarding the implementation of library apps included the potential cost, knowledge, training and administrator support for these efforts. Originality/value This study highlights the unique interest in, and barriers to, library app implementation at Kuwait University, while providing an informative structure for similar studies and considerations elsewhere.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions toward academic library app implementation

Al-Daihani

Almutairi

Alonaizi

et al. 2018

ILS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For the library, this experience demonstrated the need to align collection development plans with the shift we see in the communities we serve [14]: a shift to online instruction. Criteria for selecting mobile Journal of the Medical Library Association 108 (2) April 2020 jmla.mlanet.org resources mirror those of physical items in many ways, in other words, content, cost, currency, scope, subject relevance, access, and updates [15].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Criteria for selecting mobile Journal of the Medical Library Association 108 (2) April 2020 jmla.mlanet.org resources mirror those of physical items in many ways, in other words, content, cost, currency, scope, subject relevance, access, and updates [15]. However, additional factors must also be considered due to the digital format of the resource [14][15][16], including consideration of supported platforms; ease of authentication; technical feasibility, implementation, and compatibility with other library hardware and software; functionality and reliability; access options to easily disseminate licenses; promotion of the resource; persistency of content; and updates and vendor support [15][16][17]. In our case, we also had to consider discipline-specific needs, such as the app's ability to replace information acquired during cadaver dissection and the duplication of resources because the library already licensed HAA.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case report about anatomy applications for a physical therapy hybrid online curriculum

Havens

Saulovich

Saric

2020

jmla

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Background: Three-dimensional digital anatomy applications can provide a powerful supplement to more traditional learning modalities. The challenge for medical libraries and educators is to select an app that best supports anatomical learning objectives and then effectively integrate it into health sciences curricula. App selection is particularly important when traditional learning modalities, such as cadaver dissection, are not feasible. Selection was a challenge at the authors’ university, as the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program expanded into a hybrid online environment.Case Presentation: Reported here are our: (1) analysis and identification of an anatomy app to supplement cadaver lab instruction for DPT students who were enrolled in a hybrid program, where the majority of instruction took place online; (2) description of the implementation process; and (3) discussion of student feedback and the library’s perspective. Features and shortcomings of two anatomy apps, Complete Anatomy (CA) 2019 by 3D4 Medical and Human Anatomy Atlas (HAA) 2019 by Visible Body, were reviewed. CA was selected based on smoother navigation, visually appealing graphics, and user customization tools. The library purchased 1,000 CA redemption codes as a pilot program. Video recordings and live demonstrations of the app were used for instruction. Student feedback indicated extensive use. Based on success of the pilot, the library will purchase additional licenses.Conclusions: Medical libraries can use our experience as an example to help select anatomy resources that would be useful when considering the conversion of health sciences programs into online environments and further guide app integration to supplement other anatomical models.

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“…Examples using surveys to obtain similar information were examined (Kumar, 2014, Canuel and Crichton, 2015, Becker et al, 2013, Mills, 2009. This helped with phrasing questions and determining survey length.…”

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public

Kerr

Pennington

2018

LHT

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis. Findings All 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps. Research limitations/implications It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation. Originality/value This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.

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Leveraging apps for research and learning: a survey of Canadian academic libraries

Cited by 18 publications

References 17 publications

Perceptions toward academic library app implementation

Perceptions toward academic library app implementation

A case report about anatomy applications for a physical therapy hybrid online curriculum

Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public

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