Diktuon: Mobile Devices and Libraries

Abstract

Recent technology news continues to affirm the growth and diversity of mobile devices, particularly smartphones that allow for web and app-based access to information and research tools. Indeed, the memory, processing power, and data speed once limited to a standard personal computer is now commonplace within phones. The “phone part” of the typical mobile device can be among the least used features. Today it is not uncommon for library researchers to approach the service desk with a phone displaying a catalog record, a citation from the ATLA Religion Database, or, indeed, even a digital photograph of the object of inquiry. With some limitations, researchers can interact with librarians, search across various library catalogs and databases, access free and library-licensed content, and manage their research process through their mobile devices. Theological libraries of all sizes can deliver a variety of library services and content to a user’s mobile devices