Mobile Technologies

Abstract

Millions of people have a smartphone, and with smartphone technology comes the ability for Internet connectivity and with that the ability to access library resources. EBSCO, Elsevier, ProQuest, Gale/Cengage, and other database vendors have capitalized on the increased use of smartphones by developing the capability for library users to access EBSCO databases from their smartphones. Mobile technology extends beyond smartphones and includes technology gadgets such as e-book readers, the iPad, netbooks, and laptops. As technology that is more mobile becomes available, the ability and need to connect remotely will increase. Mobile technology has grown beyond cell phones and personal digital assistants to other types of devices most recently Apple’s iPad. Gone are the days when the only computer available was the one on your desk. With better technology came laptops, and now netbooks and e-book readers. To access the Internet, campuses have wireless technology in most classrooms and libraries. The proliferation of mobile technology and the ability to gain access to the Internet from almost any place means libraries and database vendors need to make sure their websites and resources are compatible with mobile devices.