Research Plus™ mobile app: information literacy “On the Go”

Abstract

PurposeThis paper describes a case study illustrating the systematic approach librarians used to develop of an information literacy application (app) prototype that aids students in performing research tasks "on the go". Design/methodology/approachThe initial findings from a student survey on technology use indicated the value of an information literacy mobile application. The ADDIE approach was used to develop the app. Alpha and small-scale usability testing was performed to evaluate the prototype's readiness for deployment. FindingsThe survey analysis indicated that students were not using mobile devices as expected for library related tasks. Student suggestions for improving their library experiences included mobile access to the libraries' digital collection and an application that assisted them in effectively using these resources. Usability studies indicated a positive response to the app and its readiness for beta testing among the inclusive student population. Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, this is the first native information literacy mobile application whose aim is to help students with research on the go. The step-by-step approach used for each phase of development, as well as the implications for success, may serve as a model for libraries' seeking to enhance their mobile resources.

Information literacy trends in higher education (2006–2019): visualizing the emerging field of mobile information literacy

“…The generalization of e-resources, an unstoppable and innate reality of today's generations, "offers numerous advantages to students such as convenience, flexibility and access to education" (Bowers and Kumar, 2015: 27). This trend is consolidated since 2014, as shown in the studies by Daniel (2015), Albert and and Sinkinson (2015), Huang (2015), Mullins (2017), Rodgers and Puterbaugh (2017) and Wissinger et al (2018). The presence in social networks and the use of these for the dissemination of online resources is a topic of interest presented by Harrison et al…”

“…They all belong to the topic of mobile and ubiquitous learning. The top term mobile learning, which is clearly present in the literature (in 42 documents) (Walsh 2010;Brabazon 2014;Bosman and Strydom 2016;Mullins 2017), is directly located within the IL and e-Learning cluster. The top terms mobile devices + smartphones found in the analysed literature (Havelka 2013;Magunje and Brown 2013;Ko et al 2015;among others)…”

Scientific production on mobile information literacy in higher education: a bibliometric analysis (2006–2017)

“…Their study is focused on the experience of an Information Literacy training program, its development, implementation, and assessment. A hybrid model is proposed, based on a one-shot course and a complete course, as was also suggested by Mullins (2017). However, Peter, Leichner, Mayer and Krampen (2017) proposed to increase the resources and methods to teach IL, substituting the one-shot courses by a methodology that may adapt to the needs of university students.…”

Exploring Social Sciences Students’ Perceptions on Information Literacy and the Use of Mobile Technologies in Higher Education

“…Despite the demand and the positive attitude, intergenerational and sector differences are noted (teachers, students, librarians). 22 For Al-Emran, Elsherif, and Shaalan, generational differences in the use of mobile phones to access information, and as a fundamental tool for higher education, can be a conditioning factor for their management and inclusion in the classroom. 23 If institutions do not proceed to make changes in the curriculum and implement methodologies that make their use viable in the university, a generation gap may open up between faculty and students.…”