Mobile phone use among Ukrainian and US students: a library perspective

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to determine college/university students’ mobile phone practices to understand key user preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of prospective library informational mobile services. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the results of an online-survey method. The authors recruited students majoring in the Information Science program in School of Information at Pratt Institute (USA) (74 participants) and in Kyiv National University of Cultural and Arts (Ukraine) (89 participants). Findings The general trends in the use of mobile technologies by American and Ukrainian students were identified. Key components of library mobile services are offered. Such services may include information and reference service via messengers; development of library mobile applications of audio and video content; access to educational, scientific, popular science literature and fiction; and supplementing online services with library chatbots. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to only students majoring in information science at university; however, the data obtained helps outline several general trends common to student youth who are actively working with information. Practical implications The obtained results will be useful in the practical activities of libraries and other information institutions for the development of a comprehensive information service based on mobile technology. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding how to improve library informational service considering users habits and preferences. Libraries management and librarians can use the findings as a basis for prioritizing the improvement of library informational mobile service.

Students’ Mobile Phone Practices for Academic Purposes: Strengthening Post-Pandemic University Digitalization

“…Alrefaai [39] showed that EFL students use their mobile phones for academic purposes in an online learning environment, but they also face some challenges such as technical difficulties, the small size of the screen, distraction, and getting tired. Hranchak et al [40] investigated Ukrainian and USA information science students' mobile phone practices to understand participant preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of prospective library informational mobile services. Such services may include information and reference service via messengers, development of library mobile applications of audio and video content, and access to educational, scientific, popular science literature and fiction.…”

Immersive products of documented historical and cultural heritage: new prospects of library practice

“…Менш поширеними, проте надзвичайно перспективними з огляду на комунікаційні пріоритети молодіжної аудиторії [25] є бібліотечні практики реалізації проєктів зі створення відповідних бібліотечно-інформаційних мобільних застосунків, детально проаналізовані В. Бондаренко [2].…”

Academic librarians’ perceptions of mobile technology’s usefulness in library service delivery at universities of technology in South Africa

“…Several studies (Duncan, 2021; Dwivedi et al , 2019; Elahi et al , 2018; Hranchak et al , 2022; Kamarianos et al , 2020; Kim et al , 2020) have been conducted to discern library user perceptions and attitudes about the usefulness of mobile technology in accessing library services at higher education institutions. According to Fan et al (2020, p. 105), Hranchak et al (2022, p. 3) and Kim et al (2020, p. 2), modern library users have positive attitudes towards mobile technology and are starting to demand libraries to provide services that are accessible via mobile technologies.…”

“…Guo et al (2021, p. 535) indicate that libraries are now offering online mobile services such as searchable Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), eBook and Journal downloads, quick response code, audio and video sharing accessible via mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, iPads and mobile tablets. Several studies (Duncan, 2021; Dwivedi et al , 2019; Elahi et al , 2018; Hranchak et al , 2022; Kamarianos et al , 2020; Kim et al , 2020) have been conducted to discern library user perceptions and attitudes about the usefulness of mobile technology in accessing library services at higher education institutions. According to Fan et al (2020, p. 105), Hranchak et al (2022, p. 3) and Kim et al (2020, p. 2), modern library users have positive attitudes towards mobile technology and are starting to demand libraries to provide services that are accessible via mobile technologies.…”