News Report #2

On the Move with the Mobile Web: Libraries and Mobile Technologies
By: Ellyssa Kroski
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/august2008/LTR.cfm


Kathryn Smith
LIB 103

As technology and rapid growth of the internet, continues to grow, libraries have also found ways to increase the availability of resources to the public by offering remarkable services through the use of the mobile web. One source from the American Library Association comments on the rapid development of the web stating, “Imagine where we’ll be in a year or two as mobile Internet adoption continues to increase and portable devices steadily improve.”

In the Library Technology Reports of this year issue, discusses the components of the mobile web and sheds light on the research tracking on how users are currently engaging with the information provided on the web via their mobile devices. It describes how several libraries have mobile plans on “how to” provide a chapter for libraries interested in developing a mobile experience for their users.

The article then goes on to discuss, with the increasing tools to access internet simply with a click of our cell phones. One example discussed is the use of a camera phone and with just one click you can access the internet on specific items. The example given is the article describes the idea of walking by a poster for an upcoming movie playing in theaters. Scanning the image with a click of you cell phone’s camera phone will allow you access to associated ringtones, show times, or even allow you to purchase tickets.

I found this article shocking, because to me, the idea of being able to have the convenience of purchasing an item just by taking a picture with my cell phone seems un-imaginable. Yet, to my surprise, Countries such as Japan have already had an ongoing stance on this new development of scanning products and bringing mobile access to a new level. What sounds impossible is already happening and it’s interesting for me to see how this new type of technology will continue to transform how the public will access information in years to come. I also find it interesting how libraries are already looking into way to create more resources through the advancement of technology so vital information is continually being used.