Implementation of mobile technology based library service: case study of University of Cape Coast

Abstract

Current trends in libraries especially in the academic library require remote and boundary less access to library services. Mobile technology has been recognised as the single most embraced technology in the world. Implementing this technological innovation will bring a lot of relief to students in University of Cape Coast and the University community in general. The study attempts to investigate the preparedness of University of Cape Coast Library to implement mobile technology-based library service. The pilot study involved six management members from the library and fifteen students comprising ten undergraduate and five postgraduate students. Interview guide was used as a tool for data collection. The interview guide was grouped under four headings: perception of mobile library service on campus, students' proficiency and strategies for successful implementation and imminent challenges. The data collected was qualitative in nature. The study shows that majority of the students possess more than one smartphone. A finding is that the use of these smartphone goes beyond receiving and making calls and texting. Management members of the library expressed their willingness, showed maximum support and readiness to have such facility in the library. After the study, it was recognised that: 1. Almost every student had at least one mobile device which is a smartphone and can be used to access library service. 2. Though proficiency level among students was high, there would still be the need for library management to train users to fully appreciate the use of these gadgets in accessing library services. 3. Students and management expressed their willingness to patronise such services. They also showed positive perception regarding mobile phone based library services. The recommendation made after the study was that students should be educated to know the benefits that come with the use of mobile device to access library services while library personnel should be adequately trained for such services. Management should allocate more resources for successful implementation the resources.