Abstract
Purpose– This paper describes an ongoing mobile library project for the National Library of Norway. The purpose is to develop a visual web service prototype providing mobile access to the library's growing repository of digital data. Design/methodology/approach– The author has set up several test databases and developed a number of Android applications (apps) for testing purposes: image presentation; library's digital exhibition “in the pocket”; traditional free text search; location based search; barcode scan for ISBN search / QR encapsulation; and voice/spoken search. Findings– These six approaches were found to be promising using mobile technology. Cloud technology has changed the mobile phone from a voice transmitter to a multi-purpose device connected to the network. Library resources may now be distributed in the cloud, with global mobile access, to really achieve a global library network. Originality/value– The applications developed here are innovative and unique, and will add to the general body of use cases.
Purpose– This paper describes an ongoing mobile library project for the National Library of Norway. The purpose is to develop a visual web service prototype providing mobile access to the library's growing repository of digital data. Design/methodology/approach– The author has set up several test databases and developed a number of Android applications (apps) for testing purposes: image presentation; library's digital exhibition “in the pocket”; traditional free text search; location based search; barcode scan for ISBN search / QR encapsulation; and voice/spoken search. Findings– These six approaches were found to be promising using mobile technology. Cloud technology has changed the mobile phone from a voice transmitter to a multi-purpose device connected to the network. Library resources may now be distributed in the cloud, with global mobile access, to really achieve a global library network. Originality/value– The applications developed here are innovative and unique, and will add to the general body of use cases.
