Mobile Digital Library Acceptance

Although modern libraries provide many digital resources such as e-books, databases and online catalogues, their resources are not always the first search choice of students. This might be related to the outdated image that students hold about libraries, an image that does not fit with the needs of the new generation of students who prefer receiving information quickly and rely heavily on technology to access information. Students increasingly rely on smartphones to access online services; these have the benefit that they are always connected, unlike desktops or laptops that usually require a person to be in certain place in order to have access. This suggests that students may be more willing to engage with library services if these are provided through mobile digital library applications; such applications could also help improve the image and role of libraries in the modern educational environment by providing a better match with the technologies that younger people are naturally adopting.

Autorentext

Sumayyah Al-Faresi earned her PhD in Information and Computing Research at Brunel University. She retained her honorary rank as an Associate Fellow from the Higher Education Academy. Sumayyah is currently teaching at PAAET. Kate Hone is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Computer Science at Brunel University London, UK.