When considering the current, non-mobile version of a library web site, it is sometimes
easy to forget the distinction between the different types of information the library web
site offers. The library web site provides access to the catalog, databases, information
about events and programs within the library, directory and location information, and
directions on how to ask for help. A patron might think they are simply going to the
library web site to look for a book title, rather than process the fact that they are
navigating to the library's web site, which contains access to the catalog. To effectively
plan a mobile library site, librarians need to be aware of the different components that
make up the library web site to create a strategy for making the different pieces mobile
compatible. Some parts of the library web site, such as library hours or programming
information are much easier to add to a mobile site than other parts like the catalog.
Not all parts of the library web site should be made mobile; instead, consider what
content makes sense for the mobile user, build on existing web services that offer
time-sensitive and location-based services, and focus on adding elements that are fun,
fast, and easy to implement. We will offer examples of libraries that have a range of
different library web components on their mobile site. However, it may be helpful to
think of these components as different phases of the mobilization project that couldbe
incorporated sequentially from simple to more complex