Initiatives in the creation of mobile applications and mobile versions in three academic libraries in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Mobile technologies are changing the way in which you create, consume and distribute information. These changes in turn impact the services and resources that academic libraries provide to their users. The purpose of the study is to explore and document the libraries best practices in the development and use of mobile versions and mobile applications applied to the teaching-learning process and in the access to the collections and library services. This study uses mixed methodology and integrates the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. Research will contribute to the creation of a common base knowledge for professors and librarians, mainly in the field of education and information sciences. This research is consistent with the project of communities of practice for librarians that are being conducted at the University of Puerto Rico, particularly the community of practice for the integration of emerging technologies. As a result, this research can serve as a benchmark to stimulate interest in using and integrating the use of mobile applications in the teaching-learning process and in the services that are offered by academic libraries of Puerto Rico, the United States and internationally.