Mobile-Based Applications for Enhancing Library Services in Select Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Libraries in North-India

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile applications has introduced challenges in providing seamless access to online information. This study focuses on the status of mobile applications in IIT libraries and evaluates their role in enhancing library services to meet users’ immediate information needs. Employing a survey method, a structured questionnaire was distributed to five librarians, yielding a 100% response rate. The study analyses the responses through descriptive statistics, presenting findings in tables. Results indicate a fragmentation in the use of mobile applications to augment library services, despite a high demand for improved service delivery. While IIT libraries universally offer Wi-Fi facilities (100%), only 80% provide limited mobile-based services, such as email alerts, database accessibility, Ask-a-Librarian and mobile-responsive websites. The study identifies challenges, including a shortage of skilled manpower (60%), insufficient support from institute authorities (60%) and a lack of a Mobile-based Library Services Policy (40%), hindering the implementation of mobile library services and maximising return on investment (ROI). The research recommends that libraries design and develop mobile apps to enhance service delivery, addressing shortcomings in existing mobile library apps, MOPAC and mobile library instructions. This study is significant as one of the first to investigate the current usage of mobile technology and services in IIT libraries, shedding light on their early stages. It emphasises the potential effectiveness of mobile applications in libraries when library and information science professionals actively advocate for their implementation, facilitating instant access and discovery of library resources on users’ mobile devices.

Keywords: Mobile Technologies, Mobile-Based Library, Mobile-Based Library Services, IIT Libraries, Libraries-India

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