The mobile library/librarian

Editor's Notes

• #3: For many people, the smart phone has become the computer of first choice. It's the one you always have with you. It's the first place you go for information. For others, it's the only computer they own. So, the choice you make is important.
• #4: The iPhone first appeared in 2007. From then until now, the growth in cellular data has been exponential.
• #5: Generally, when we talk about mobile, we mean smart phones or tablets. Laptops can also factor in. But this photo exemplifies the multiple device user. People are coming into our libraries and logging onto our wifi networks with not just one but with multiple devices. What do you like about mobile computing?
• #6: What do you find frustrating?
• #7: A lot of library web pages continue to be less than satisfying experiences. I'll pick on ours MSL's web site uses dropdown navigation boxes that are difficult in a touch environment. This is on an iPad. On a smart phone, it's even worse.
• #8: In all fairness, we do have a mobile version. You won't be redirected automatically. But if you know to put an m before the usual URL, it will take you to this page which will at least get you into the Library Directory and/or databases. I'm also going to pick on another Helena libray, Lewis & Clark. This is what you get when you go to their website on an iPad. Not very useful. What's the message you're giving to mobile users?
• #9: As a contrast, this is the L&C website when viewed from a laptop browser. It's beautiful.
• #10: They do have a mobile app. Obviously optimized for smart phones instead of tablets. But that's okay. But why is all of the event information outdated?
• #11: Public wifi speeds continue to be inadequate. I was sitting in a cafe in Billings waiting a ridiculously long time for a web page to open on their wifi when I decided to test their speed. It came in somewhere around 150 Kbps. That's around 3 times dialup modem speed. I thought that was horrible. So I started testing speeds in libraries as well as bars, hotels and restaurants around the state. Most of it isn't great but libraries are doing significantly better than other public wifi.
• #12: I think it does help dispel the notion that wifi is easily accessible and good library wifi isn't important. It is.
• #13: This all becomes part of a gathering storm. 64% Americans now own a smart phone. 15% have limited options for online access other than their smart phone. Can they find us and learn about our services using that smart phone? 10% have no broadband access at home other than their cell phone data plan. Those have caps and bandwidth limitations. Where these converge leaves 7% who probably really need us and our wifi.
• #14: What are the bandwidth hogs? Streaming services certainly.
• #15: It depends on what you want to do. But this is a handy chart even if you can't read it. To stream video at low quality, you need 1.5 Mbps per streamer. TV quality 9 Mbps. HD quality 30Mbps. 4K? I don't think the chart went up that high. But the demand keeps growing.
• #17: Here's where I point out that I'm running this presentation off my phone.
• #19: You can set up a demo account to show your patrons how to use BARD. If you do, there are a limited number of titles available. But they'll work on apps on a number of devices.
• #20: And while we're on the subject, iOS does have a number of accessibility options built in.
• #21: Not really new, but becoming more and more insistent -notifications from Google Apple and a number of other apps. Public transit times, weather alerts, upcoming events, sports scores, news headlines, emails, texts...
• #23: Chances are, when someone is looking for your library online, they're going to use a search engine. The results page will be your first contact. Make sure that information is accurate. They may go no further.
• #24: Same thing with Yelp or other travel sites. Remember you may be reviewed. Pay attention to what people are saying about you.
• #25: Another of my continuing gripes is our tendency to make people come to us for our information and events. If you want to know what learning opportunities are upcoming for Montana librarians, you have to come to the MSL website. In Wyoming, they use a Google calendar.
• #26: You can subscribe to one or both calendars and have events show up in your calendar.
• #27: How many of you have Facebook pages? How many use FB events to publicize special programs at your library? I wouldn't overdo do it. But setting up an event and inviting members of your community can be a way of gaining more attention. And if you can get people to like and share and invite their friends, it goes even further.