Jack's Blog for LIBR 559M (3)

This topic is written by me and my study buddy, Maria T. who is from the library school at the University of Alberta (UofA). We worked together this term for the social media glossary. I feel we did a decent job. So, I am posting it to my personal blog to store it permanently.

Mobile Computing

1) Update and refine term (in this case – create an entry)

While there are numerous definitions for Mobile Computing, there seems to be general agreement that the term involves the use of portable technologies that enable the user to carry out the usual computing functions while on the move.

Cuddy (2009, p.3) defines Mobile computing as “using a computing device while mobile” because it portable. PC Magazine states that “mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing.” That is to say, a computing device can be used to browse Websites through wireless Internet connectivity while users are moving, just like you can use your cell phone to call someone as long as your cell phone can receive signal.

The term mobile computing devices is somewhat generic and can include a range of handheld computing devices from mobile/cellular phones, to iPads, that have wireless Internet capability.

Affordances:

• Users can surf the Internet as well as download and view images, access information anywhere.
• Gives users much more convenient and efficient services.
• Users can achieve real and simultaneous communications.

Drawbacks limit usage of mobile services according to Siau and Shen’ statement (2006, p. 95-97).

• Mobile networks suffer some limitations such as a lower bandwidth, longer delays, and poorer connection stability.
• The network incompatibility impedes the development of user-friendly interfaces and graphical applications for mobile devices.
• Mobile handsets are also limited in computational power, memory and disk capacity, battery life, and surf-ability infrastructure constraints, security concerns, and user distrust.

2) Examples of mobile computing in library and information studies

Academic libraries such as the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) post QR codes (a specialized bar code) at key areas of the library (e.g., next to various pieces of technology like self-serve checkout stations). Library users can take a photo of the QR code with their Web-enabled mobile device and use it to access information such as fact sheets, instructional videos to support their use of library services.

Progress is being made in the health information sector as librarians and other information professionals strive to provide timely services to patients, physicians, insurers and suppliers at the point of need. For example, the National Library of Medicine is involved in numerous projects for mobile devices, including Mobile Medline Plus and Pub Med for Hand Held Devices

Other examples of mobile computing applications include:

• Citation software such as RefMobile from RefWorks
• Chat reference via Skype Mobile
• Library catalogue and library account information

3) Why we selected this term

It is timely for libraries to consider how to extend access to library resources and services to users of mobile devices. This is an opportunity to provide reference services and information literacy instruction remotely instead of being tethered to an information desk.

Additional Reading:

Oder, Norman. (2004). Is Ubiquitous Wireless Coming? Library Journal, November 15, 129 (19): 14-15; (AN 15107659). Demonstrates an inspiring perspective for wireless Internet connectivity.

University Technology Sydney Library. QR Codes and the Mobile Web. http://www.slideshare.net/MissSophieMac/qr-codes-and-the-mobile-web

Mobile Computing Discussion @ UVic Libraries. Rich’s Random Thoughts Blog – http://richmccue.com/2010/06/01/mobile-computing-discussion-uvic-libraries/

References:

Adar, E. (2004), ‘Usage Patterns for Cameraphone Driven Moblogs’, http://www.hpl.hp.com/research/idl/people/eytan/moblog/index. html (14 July 2005).

Cuddy, Colleen. (2009). Mobile Computing. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries, Jan-Mar, 6 (1): 64-68; DOI:10.1080/15424060802705301; (AN 36449727).

Hall, J. (2002), ‘From Weblog to Moblog’, TheFeature, 21 November, http://www.thefeature.com/article?articleid=24815&ref=1858826 (14 July 2005).

RefWorks. RefMobile. Accessed July 17, 2010, from http://www.refworks.com/content/products/refmobile/content.asp

Siau, Keng and Shen, Zixing. (2006). Mobile healthcare informatics. Medical Informatics & the Internet in Medicine, June, 31(2): 89-99; DOI: 10.1080/14639230500095651; (AN 21193840).

Skype Limited. Skype Mobile. Accessed July 17, 2010 from http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-mobile/download/