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The topic of mobile libraries (access to a library via mobile phone) is very important and highly timely. The need of library services is increased continuously. However, these services are only available during office hours and in the library counter. Even though through online computer, users are able to access the services anytime, but not everywhere, they must be connected to the internet which limits their access to these services. Although library related services via a mobile phone is not yet implemented in academic library in Jordan, such services is inevitable in the future if and only if there is an acceptance of that technology. Thus, mobile technology has been identified instead of the tradition way as well as online computer (Alzaza & Nasir, 2007). Mobile technology has now come up with library in hand trend (mobile library). Stone (2004) claimed that one day two or three billion people will have cell phones and they will not continue to have PCs for the reason that mobile phones will become their digital life. In Jordan, according to Jordan telecommunication market establishment statistics there are 419,533 fixed telephone lines and 7,758,968 mobile lines which is exceed the number of population (Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Jordan, http://www.trc.gov.jo). This implies that most of the people desire to use mobile technology.
Mulliah and Stroulia (2009) claimed that “Mobile devices are becoming increasingly powerful and accessible as wireless networks cover most of our daily environment and a variety of software frameworks”. Moreover, Karim, Darus, and Hussin (2006) said that the widespread use of mobile phones among students might have also lead to the positive opinion and perception on its application in the library related services. Therefore, the library users can now renew books and pay fines for overdue loans without stepping into a library as long as they carry their mobile phones.
Mobile library (m-library) can be viewed as another meaning of e-library but without the need of cables. Mobile library is generally defined as a mean of e-library which occurs via mobile device. Mobile library can be defined as: any library that offers service(s) or operation(s) anytime, anywhere, without the need for cables via wireless devices (mobile) for their students. By means of information systems m-library can be defined as organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices that support any library service(s) or operation(s) via wireless devices (Mobile phone). Mobile library services or operations in general are presented as follows:
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Checking records of books borrowed;
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Getting alerts on overdue books;
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Getting alerts on outstanding fines;
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Receiving reminders to return library items that will be due soon;
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Renewing library items;
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Referencing enquiry services;
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Receiving text alerts to new resources on the library web site;
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Getting alert on library event information;
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Getting information from the library database;
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Contacting librarian for help, etc.
Mayer (2002) introduced several steps through which institutions may follow in providing SMS services. The steps involved collection of mobile phone numbers, setting up a centralized SMS service center (Reading the books lists, Lectures, meeting schedule, exam dates, Academic information about the students, Crucial homework reminders, Web link, Urgent messaging, Announcements, Changes in schedules; and Mobile author application: it will help lecturers, teachers, instructors, and tutors to create and author their computer-based courses), and sending group SMS via a network.