Fall+2005+q5+answer

//**NOTE: Called this page the wrong thing but the links are right.**//


 * Fall 2004 Question 5**


 * In 2002 only eight percent of 7-9 year olds had cell phones, a year later this number had doubled to one in six having mobiles. In the age group 10-11 years, 58 percent use mobiles, up 12 percent points in a year. Nearly all older children have cell phones: 89 percent of 12-13 year-olds, 96 percent of 14-15 year-olds, and 100 percent of 16-21 year-olds own and use mobiles. The survey measured habits at 1,500 households across the country.”

Assuming that these findings are generally applicable, identify and discuss the implications for services in an information agency of your choice.**

//In the past few years, there has been a technological explosion. People are connected in more ways than they have ever been connected before.//

//i.e. in the academic library setting, IP’s are going to have to find ways to reach these new “in touch” patrons. For this, we must take our cues from commercial products.//

//Since most college students have cell phones, blackberries, palm pilots, etc, connectivity is essential. Due to this trend, many academic libraries are equipped with wireless technology so that connectivity is not a problem. With most of these mobile devices equipped with a web browser, patrons can blissfully search their mobile devices while wandering through the stacks.//

//Digitized content is essential as well. Patrons want the convenience of sitting in the i.e. airport and reading books… or browsing digitized content, etc. Vendors such as netlibrary understand the importance of digitization. Patrons can “check out” books from their institutions subscription to netlibrary and have a book to read in the palm of their hand.//

//Reference must also key into this trend. Many places are offereing IM reference and chat features which can assist patrons from a distance.//

//Libraries cannot operate in a vacuum. Feedback from these students via chat, email, blogging, etc can help libraries make hard choices about how to better serve the needs of their constituents.//

other points to consider: · New look at security of collections – phones have cameras on them now, so must be careful with special collections that patrons do not photograph restricted material · New policies regarding cell phone use in the library – designated phone areas vs. no phone conversations allowed, how to handle abusers of these policies