The document discusses mobilizing public libraries through design and marketing solutions. It notes that over half of mobile subscribers own smartphones and many access the internet and read ebooks on their phones. While only 13% of adults visit library websites via mobile and 7% of libraries have apps, 63% of library customers are interested in mobile access. The document outlines the mobile design process, including identifying users, determining goals, prototyping, and testing. It provides examples of mobile library content and tools. Standards discussed keeping designs simple for small screens. The presentation concludes with examples of library websites that are mobile-friendly through different technical approaches like HTML, CMS platforms, and third-party mobile services.

1. Mobilizing Public
Libraries
Design & Marketing Solutions
Jenny Hale
Midterm Presentation
LIS 701 - Dominican University
June 4, 2013

2. Why Go Mobile?
In general:
• The idea of “mobile applications” has been around since 1991
• 55.5% of mobile subscribers own a smartphone
• About 1.4 billion smartphones will be in use by the end 2013
• 56% of the 85% of cellphone owners access the web on their
phones
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

3. Why Go Mobile?
Specifically:
• 13% of adults over 16 visit library websites via a mobile device
• 29% of eBook readers have read them on their smartphones
• 63% of library customers expressed interest in using their
cellphones to access digital library services
• 15% of library websites are optimized for mobile devices
• 7% of libraries developed apps for access to library services
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

4. Areas of Discussion
Generally:
• The typical (mobile) design process
• Standards and patterns used in the design process
Specifically:
• How public libraries organize their mobile content
• Tools public libraries use to go mobile
• Library-specific mobile enhancements
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

5. The Mobile Design Process
Take a user-centric, iterative approach.
• Identify the intended audience
• Determine library and customer goals and needs
• Established needed resources
• Audit library website content
• Brainstorm and sketch ideas and concepts
• Create paper or interactive prototypes
• Test prototype with library customers
• Revise prototype based on feedback
• Launch, market, maintain
Repeat as needed
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

6. Standards and Patterns
Keep it simple, design for small screens.
• Use minimal color
• Keep file sizes and graphics to a minimum
• Void downloading of large files
• Place most-used content within the visible screen area
• Break down information
• Promote easy “way-finding”
• Minimize scrolling
• Reduce number of clicks
• Denote links to external or non-mobile sites
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

7. Mobile Library Content
What to include depends on the library. Typically:
• Catalog
• Personal account
• Library address/contact info
• Borrowing information
• Downloadable media
• Databases/research
• Calendar/events
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

8. Mobilizing Tools
Have a web master? Use:
• HTML/CSS and/or PHP
No web master? Try:
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Drupal
• Wordpress
• Mobile Library Services
• Boopsie
• Library Anywhere
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

10. Example Library Websites
▲
New York Library
nypl.org
▲
Iowa City Library
icpl.org
▲
Arlington Heights Library
ahml.info
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

11. Example Mobile Library Sites
▲
Iowa City Library
HTML/CSS
▲
Arlington Hts Library
Boopsie
▲
New York Library
CMS (Drupal)
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

12. Mobile Enhancements
Interactive or ▲
◄ Static Maps
AR (Augmented Reality) ▲
◄ QR (Quick
Response)
or Bar Codes ►
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale

13. Thank You!
Questions, comments?
Jenny Hale
jhale353@yahoo.com
Mobilizing Public Libraries: Design & Marketing Solutions
LIS 701 – Dominican University
Jenny Hale