mobile technology Archives | Page 2 of 2 | American Libraries Magazine

Mobile Beacon, which provides mobile Wi-Fi devices (pictured above) and grants to libraries and other organizations for Wi-Fi lending programs, is one of the nonprofits that has filed a lawsuit against Sprint over a contract dispute. Photo: Mobile Beacon

Temporary Injunction Keeps Affordable Internet Access at Libraries

By Timothy Inklebarger | November 5, 2015

Updated Nov. 6, 2015 with Sprint’s statement. Mobile Citizen and Mobile Beacon, which provide unlimited broadband access for $10 per month to 61 libraries, 429 schools, and 1,820 nonprofits, requested the emergency relief order after negotiations stalled between Sprint and the nonprofits in October over the terms of the transfer to the new network. Sprint … Continue reading Temporary Injunction Keeps Affordable Internet Access at Libraries →

Rebecca K. Miller, Heather Moorefield-Lang, and Carolyn Meier

Embracing the Future

Char Booth’s 2009 report, Informing Innovation: Tracking Student Interest in Emerging Library Technologies at Ohio University, cautions against experimenting with too many programs at once. She argues that decisions should be grounded in insight into local library, information, and technology cultures—a policy that we call “intentional integration.” A 2014 Pew Research survey indicates that 64% … Continue reading Embracing the Future →

Wild Colorado Wildlife Discovery App

By Joseph Sanchez | October 30, 2015

American Libraries invited Joseph Sanchez of Mesa County (Colo.) Libraries to talk about a project he has been working on: a wildlife app managed by the library. Like fly-fishing? See photos of fish, flies, books, river locations, upcoming seminars, as well as other content in the app, all eventually to be cross-referenced in the library’s … Continue reading Wild Colorado Wildlife Discovery App →

New mobile hotspot users attend a launch event at New York Public Library’s Mott Haven branch.

Bridging the Tech Gap

By Timothy Inklebarger | September 11, 2015

For years, libraries have helped bridge the digital divide by offering internet access at brick-and-mortar branches. Many are expanding this mission by offering patrons mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout. New York City launched a program this year that provides 10,000 mobile hotspots to patrons across three library systems, and in 2014, Chicago Public Library rolled … Continue reading Bridging the Tech Gap →

SirsiDynix booth at ALA 2015 Annual Conference and Exhibition

A Look at Tech

By Marshall Breeding | July 23, 2015

One current trend in library technology aims to improve the engagement of patrons with libraries or to provide tools to help users work more effectively. In many respects, the technologies on display reinforced the theme of the “Library Systems Report 2015,” operationalizing the innovations brewing in recent years, including the increased adoption of Semantic Web technologies … Continue reading A Look at Tech →

Left to Our Devices

An excerpt from American Libraries Live | July 22, 2014

Moorefield-Lang, a former school librarian who is now education and applied social sciences librarian at Virginia Tech, was joined by Katherine Messier, managing director at Johnston, Rhode Island–based Mobile Beacon, a nonprofit that provides broadband service to libraries and other nonprofits; Bohyun Kim, digital access librarian at Florida International University Medical Library in Miami; and … Continue reading Left to Our Devices →

Continuous Learning

By Karen Muller | November 26, 2013

Funds shift, coworkers leave, a new director arrives. Such unexpected job changes may require you to learn a new skill—fast. In my experience, I feel as though I can learn nearly anything from books. Even if I need to take a class, watch a webinar, or participate in a hands-on demonstration, reading about a topic … Continue reading Continuous Learning →

Don’t Dumb Down

By Bohyun Kim | September 24, 2013

People’s behavior on smartphones, however, increasingly challenged this assumption. Web designer and developer Luke Wroblewski classified mobile usage into the following four interaction types on page 50 of his book Mobile First (A Book Apart, 2011): Lookup/Find (urgent info, local): I need an answer to something now (frequently related to my current location in the … Continue reading Don’t Dumb Down →

40 Great Apps for Mobile Reference and Outreach

By Sanhita SinhaRoy | July 1, 2013

More than 200 conference-goers packed the small room booked for the session, with many peering through the doorway and sitting on the floor. During their presentation, branch manager Richard Le and adult services librarian Mel Gooch, both from San Francisco Public Library, shared what they have found to be dozens of apps that provide innovative … Continue reading 40 Great Apps for Mobile Reference and Outreach →

Latest Library Links

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ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office has released the updated Advocacy Action Plan Workbook, which is available for free download online. The workbook is an adaptable guide to engaging individuals and groups in library advocacy on any issue. It guides users through actionable steps in creating an advocacy plan, including community analysis, building a library ecosystem, goal setting, and message development and delivery. Workbook activities keep users focused on needs assessment, implementation steps, and effective outreach for best results.

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Sept. 18
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Brian Fung writes: “The US government aims to restore sweeping regulations for high-speed internet providers, reviving ‘net neutrality’ rules for the broadband industry. The proposed rules from the Federal Communications Commission will designate internet service as ‘essential telecommunications’ akin to traditional telephone services, and would ban internet service providers from blocking or slowing down access to websites and online content. The FCC plans to vote Oct. 19 on whether to advance the draft rules by soliciting public feedback on them, a step that would precede the creation of any final rules.” ALA issued a statement in support of the proposal.

CNN, Sept. 26; ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Sept. 26
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All ALA members are invited to volunteer for ALA standing committees for the 2024–26 term. Committee service provides members with opportunities to gain valuable professional development and leadership experience, make an impact on key issues and policies within ALA and librarianship, engage with colleagues from various types of libraries across the nation, and build their resumes. Volunteer via the online ALA volunteer form by September 30. (Be sure to select “ALA” in the drop-down menu on the main form). ALA President-Elect Cindy Hohl will make committee appointments, with notifications sent to appointed individuals throughout Spring 2024.

ALA Governance Office, July 18
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The ALA Publishing Committee Carnegie-Whitney grant provides up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes, or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Projects funded last year include “Creating Accessible and User-friendly Black Genealogical Tools,” “Unlocking Our History Video Interview Collection,” and “Cultivating a Culture of Care: Trauma-Informed Librarianship,” among others. Applications must be received by November 3, 2023.

ALA Publishing, Sept. 14
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Megan Bennett writes: “Rick Riordan is best known for his Greek mythology–inspired Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which has since inspired a larger franchise. In May he released The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure (Hachette) with coauthor Mark Oshiro, about the son of Hades and his boyfriend on a journey to the Underworld. And September 26 Riordan returns to his original protagonists with The Chalice of the Gods (Disney Hyperion), chronicling Percy’s efforts to get into college. Riordan spoke with American Libraries about his newest works and the longevity of Percy Jackson.”

American Libraries Trend, Sept./Oct.
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ALA has released a new LibGuide designed to help library workers use Library of Congress (LC) digital collections in programming and educational opportunities. “Programming with Library of Congress Digital Collections,” is designed to help all types of libraries explore primary sources available from LC’s online collection and connect with their communities through programming and educational opportunities. The guide focuses on eight LC collections (Arts, Civics, Folklife, History, Literature, Maps, Military Experience and STEM) with collection highlights and suggested program ideas that are accessible and adaptable for various library types and audiences.

ALA Public Programs Office, Sept. 18
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Anne MaiYee Jansen writes: “It’s hard to find fault with librarians, those lovably nerdy folk who make a career of recommending books to readers in the community, even when they’re fictional. After all, what’s not to love about someone who passes their days in some of the only remaining quiet spaces in big cities and small towns alike? Since I am talking about fictional librarians in literature, there are some less-than-amazing ones out there. Despite the presence of one or two duds in the pages of all manner of novels, they’re worth taking a look at.

Book Riot, Sept. 18

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