4. ADVANTAGES OF LIBR ARY INFORMATION
THROUGH MOBILE
4.1 User-friendly Aid
Familiarity with their own devices and technology
helps the users in accessing information quickly and
does not require orientation and training. Mobile
users are using the facilities on mobile phones
like SMS, instant messaging, web browsing, e-mail
effortlessly to communicate. Most of the features
are pre-installed on mobile devices or option for
data plan packages.
4.2 Personalised Service
Personalised service helps users to interact
with library staff to seek specific information or
reference away from library.
4.3 Ability to Access Information
Information access from anywhere at anytime
will be of great help for users who cannot visit
library in person and provides a constant link to
required information resources.
4.4 Time Saving
Users need not record information about resources
while browsing and searching library resources or
wait at library transaction counter to renew/reserve
books and hence the time of the user is saved.
4.5 User Participation
Libraries can enrich OPAC by allowing users
to incorporate user created content like notes or
images uploaded by users.
4.6 Location Awareness
Mobile communication enables libraries to offer
location-based services/content through global positioning
system (GPS) capabilities. Libraries can guide the
users to the location of specific document or service
through maps and navigational tools.
4.7 Limitless Access
All online resources accessible on their desktop
also become accessible through mobiles.
4.8 Access to Print-disabled Users
Mobiles communications help providing services
orally to vision-disabled and physically-handicapped
users.