Perception on the Use of Mobile Phones in Retrieving Information from Academic Libraries: A developing country perspective

1. Introduction

Mobile internet applications and service innovations are changing people's way of life. At the same time, they are also changing the way that people communicate and access information. People who visited libraries to find specific information in the past are now able to find the same information online (Li, 2003). Various applications can be observed among the users, which ranged from a telephone conversation and simple text messages (SMS) to multimedia messaging services (MMS) and internet access, depending on the capability of each mobile phone technology and services rendered (Karim, Darus, & Hussin, 2006). Accepting and subscribing to modern technology in contemporary life is a common factor; people are willing to use more advanced technology in their daily lives (Islam, Low, & Hasan, 2013). In recent years there has been tremendous growth in the computational capabilities of devices, content and the retrieval methods. There is great interest now in the mobile web. Mobile web refers to web access via a browser or application from a mobile computing system. The mobile computing system can be a mobile computer, smartphone, or even a mobile phone. The access to the web from a mobile device, especially the search for information, is growing in popularity every day due to the availability, cheap cost, and convenience of access (Banu, Khader, & Mavaluru, 2011). The increasing capabilities of mobile or smartphones are positioning them as the technology of choice, replacing PCs, for many users, especially college students. As such, the use of these devices must be considered an inevitable learning tool available to higher education (Yu, 2012). Mobile-based library services have been in process, making unintentional progress since the late twentieth century. The unintended consequence of smaller and faster computing is the enabling of an anywhere and anytime learning (Hahn, 2008). Therefore, this paper has made an attempt to explore the perception and insights of the Library and Information Science specialists (LIS) in retrieving information from libraries. However, the rest of the paper is organized in the following manner: literature review, objectives, research questions, methodology and sample of the study, results and discussion, recommendations and finally conclusion with a brief summary of the study.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

3. Objectives of the Study

For the past few decades libraries have harnessed the power of computers to enhance the quality of information retrieval and dissemination. The advent of Internet-related applications for the libraries, especially the Web 2.0 tools and technologies, has triggered another level of change in libraries and in turn have transformed the information horizon into a participatory environment (Paul Anbu K & Mavuso, 2012). Thus, the specific objectives of this study are

• i. To identify the present status of LIS specialists regarding mobile phone usage in information retrieval.
• ii. To gather perceptions of LIS specialists regarding the use of mobile phones in retrieving information.
• iii. To determine the perception of LIS specialists on the possible advantages of using mobile phones in retrieving information.
• iv. To point out the possible drawbacks and their solutions to embrace mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries.

4. Research Questions

To achieve the above objectives, this study has formulated one Major Research Question (MRQ) and three Subsidiary Research Questions (SRQs):

• Major Research Question (MRQ)
• - MRQ: What are the perceptions of LIS specialists regarding the use of mobile phones in retrieving information?

• Subsidiary Research Questions (SRQs)
• - SRQ1: What do LIS specialists perceive as the advantages of mobile phone usage?
• - SRQ2: What are the perceived service needs of LIS specialists through the use of mobile phones from libraries?
• - SRQ3: What are the possible drawbacks and their solutions to embracing mobile based retrieval of information?

5. Methodology and Sample of the Study

The methodology includes a quantitative approach. The study was carried out through survey method. A structured questionnaire was used as the tool for conducting the survey. The questionnaire includes closed-ended questions and consisted of three major sections: Section-A contained questions regarding respondent’s demographic information. Section-B included questions about the experience of using mobile phones, what type of mobile phone do they use, the frequency of using mobile phones for retrieving information, level of agreement regarding the advantages of using mobile phones based on 7-point Likert scales. Section-C includes questions regarding what services the respondents want to get from libraries through the use of mobile phones, level of agreement regarding the possible advantages of introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries and level of agreement regarding the possible hindrances of embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries.

The respondents were selected from different areas including faculty members, subject specialists, information professionals etc. who have sound knowledge and experience in using and applying mobile technologies also have basic ideas about the use of mobile phones in library services and mobile-based retrieving of information. Purposive sampling method has been employed for conducting the survey. Thirty-five (35) structured questionnaires were distributed among them. Out of them, twenty-five (25) questionnaires have been received which indicate that the response rate is 72%. Among the received questionnaire all the twenty-five (25) questionnaires have been selected for the study. Responses to closed-ended questions in particular on 7-point Likert scales were analyzed using the descriptive analysis techniques of SPSS 20.0 and responses to other closed-ended questions were analyzed using general statistics. The 7-point Likert scale was defined in the following manner: 1= strongly disagree, 2= disagree, 3=somewhat disagree, 4=neither agree nor disagree, 5= somewhat agree, 6=agree, 7=strongly agree. For this study, mean score ≥5 is considered statistically significant. Table 1 shows that among 25 respondents, 72% (18) are male and 28% (7) are female. It also indicates that among 25 respondents, a large number (15, or 60%) of respondents are from the age group 29-39, comparatively less number (7, or 28%) of respondents are from age group 40-above and only (3, or 12%) are in the age group of 18-28.

Table 1.

The demographic profile of the respondents

6. Results and Discussions

6.1 Experience of using mobile phones of LIS specialists

Figure 1 indicates that majority number of respondents (18, or 72%) is using mobile phones for more than 10 years. The number of respondents who are using mobile phones from 7-9 years are 4 (16%). The number of respondents who are using mobile phones from1-3 years and 4-6 years are respectively 2(8%) and 1 (4%).

Fig. 1.

Experience of using mobile phones of LIS specialists

6.2 Types of mobile phones of the LIS specialists

Figure 2 reveals that most of the respondents 20 (80%) have smartphones and only 5 (20%) have traditional phones.

Fig. 2.

Types of mobile phones of the respondents

6.3 Frequency of mobile phone use for retrieving information

Table 2 reveals that majority of the respondents 14 (56%) sometimes use mobile phones for retrieving information and other frequencies of mobile phone usage for retrieval of information by the respondents are: once in a week 8%, several times in a week 20% and rarely 16%.

Table 2.

Frequency of mobile phone use for retrieving information by the LIS specialists

6.4 Level of agreement regarding the advantages of using mobile phones by LIS specialists

The respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement regarding the advantages of using mobile phones. These agreements were measured on 7-point Likert scales in table 3 and mean, standard deviation was calculated according to the following scores: 1= strongly disagree, 2= disagree, 3=somewhat disagree, 4=neither agree nor disagree, 5= somewhat agree, 6=agree, 7=strongly agree using the descriptive analysis technique of SPSS 20.0.

6.4.1 Security on accessing information

Table 3 reveals that the LIS specialists somewhat agree, with a mean score of 4.92 on 1-7 Likert scales. It shows that the LIS specialists think that using a mobile phone will provide security on accessing information.

Table 3.

Level of agreement regarding the advantages of using mobile phones

6.4.2 Information at any time

From table 3 it is clear that the LIS specialists agree with this statement, with a mean score of 5.64 on 1-7 Likert scales. It indicates that the LIS specialists believe that by using mobile phone the theme of ‘information at any time’ will be more convenient.

6.4.3 Satisfy information need

The LIS specialists somewhat agree with this statement, with a mean score of 5.36 (Table 3), that reveals their positive attitude about mobile phones in satisfying an information need.

6.4.4 Getting the opportunity of distance learning

With a mean score of 4.56, the LIS specialists somewhat agree with this statement that using mobile phones will enhance the opportunity for distance learning.

6.4.5 Up to date with information & being global

Table 3 reveals that the LIS specialists somewhat agree, with a mean score of 5.44 on 1-7 Likert scales. It shows that the LIS specialists think that using mobile phones will keep them up to date with information and help being globalized.

6.4.6 Easier communication

The respondents agree with this statement, with the highest mean score of 6.12 (Table 3). It indicates their strong support to this statement that mobile phones are using as a medium of faster and easier communication.

6.4.7 Redefined academic environment

Table 3 reveals that the respondents somewhat agree, with a mean score of 5.08 on 1-7 Likert scales. It shows that the LIS specialists agree with this statement that is using a mobile phone will bring a new dimension in an academic environment.

6.5 Perceived service need from libraries through the use of mobile phones by LIS specialists

Figure 3 shows that 25% of the LIS specialists want SMS on overdue and fines service. Another 23% of the LIS specialists stressed on the need for text alert services for new resources from libraries. Other 20% of the respondents want to receive reminders through SMS. LIS specialists also want services like SDI through SMS/MMS and requirements collection from users through SMS (16%). From the percentage shown in figure 4, it has been clear that all these services are preferred by the LIS specialists being served by the libraries using mobile devices.

Fig. 3.

Perceived service needs through the use of mobile phones from libraries by LIS specialists

6.6 Possible advantages of introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries by the LIS specialists

Libraries are facing new challenges for the availability of information on the web. But at the same time libraries are an inevitable source for reliable information. Therefore, libraries need to adopt new technologies, more specifically mobile technologies for providing better services to its users (Elahi & Islam, 2014). The LIS specialists were asked to indicate their level of agreement regarding the possible advantages of introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries. These agreements were measured on 7-point Likert scales in table-4 and mean, the standard deviation was calculated according to the following scores: 1= strongly disagree, 2= disagree, 3=somewhat disagree, 4=neither agree nor disagree, 5= somewhat agree, 6=agree, 7=strongly agree using the descriptive analysis technique of SPSS 20.0.

Table 4.

Level of agreement regarding the possible advantages of introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries by LIS specialists

Table 4 reveals that the LIS specialists agree, with a mean score of 5.64 on 1-7 Likert scales, which indicates that respondents think using a mobile phone will enhance the ability to retrieve information from a library from anywhere. From the table, it is clear that the LIS specialists agree that by using mobile phone they can retrieve information 24/7 hrs./days from libraries, with a mean score of 5.68 on 1-7 Likert scales. The LIS specialists somewhat agree, with the mean score of 5.24, regarding the statement that implication of mobile phone-based information retrieval from libraries will enhance information retrieval skills of the respective user. Table 4 also reveals that the LIS specialists somewhat agree with the statement that using a mobile phone will support distance learning, with a mean score of 5.12 on 1-7 Likert scales. It also indicates that the LIS specialists believe that by introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries will promote information literacy (mean score 5.12). It also shows that the respondents think that introducing the mobile phone in libraries will make retrieval of information faster than any other media (mean score 5.44).

6.7 Possible hindrances of embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries by the LIS specialists

The LIS specialists were asked to indicate their level of agreement regarding the possible hindrances of embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries. These agreements were also measured on 7-point Likert scales. Table 5 reveals that the LIS specialists somewhat agree, with a mean score of 5.08 on 1-7 Likert scales, that low bandwidth problem may hamper in embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries. The LIS specialists neither agree nor disagree, with a mean score of 4.36 on 1-7 Likert scales, regarding the cost related to design mobile-based information retrieval system for libraries. From table-5 it is clear that the LIS specialists somewhat agree (with a mean score of 4.60 on 1-7 Likert scales) with the statement and they believe that it will be difficult for libraries to afford it. It also shows that the respondents give their consent that administrative complexity may hamper the process of embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries. Table 5 indicates that the LIS specialists somewhat agree with the mean score of 5.04 on 1-7 Likert scales which indicates lack of awareness is another hindrance. Lastly and most importantly the LIS specialists somewhat agree with a mean score of 5.12 on 1-7 Likert scales regarding the fear of innovation among the staffs of the library and as well as the authority can hinder the use of mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries.

Table 5.

Level of agreement regarding the possible hindrances of embracing MIRS in DUL by the LIS specialists

7. Recommendations

Mobile devices and applications provide access to information in the comfort of people’s homes and offices. These new devices enable access to information without the limitations of space and time (Aharony, 2013). Various applications can be observed among the users, which ranged from a telephone conversation and simple text messages (SMS) to multimedia messaging services (MMS) and internet access, depending on the capability of each mobile phone technology and services rendered (Karim, Darus, & Hussin, 2006). Through the use of different application of mobile phones diversified services can be provided to the library users and these will also help the users to retrieve their respective information from the library. Thus, for embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries the following recommendations can be proposed:

8. Conclusion

The main goal of this paper is to explore the perception of the LIS specialists regarding the use of mobile phones in retrieving information with special reference to libraries. Findings reveal that majority numbers of respondents 18 (72%) are using mobile phones more than 10 years. It indicates that most of the LIS specialists are quite knowledgeable about different features of mobile phones. It also shows that majority LIS specialists (80%) are using smartphones. But majority number of LIS specialists14 (56%) sometimes use mobile phones for retrieving information. Findings also indicate that the LIS specialists overall somewhat agree with the statements of advantages of using mobile phones i.e. Security on accessing information, Information at any time, satisfy information need when needed, Getting the opportunity of distance learning, up to date with information & being global, Easier Communication, Redefined entertainment with an average mean score of 5.30 which is statistically significant. It also shows that majority of LIS specialists (25%) want SMS for overdue and fines through mobile phones from DUL. The findings also indicate that the LIS specialists somewhat agree with the statements regarding the advantages (i.e. Enhance ability to retrieve information from anywhere, 24/7 hrs./days retrieval facility, Enhance information retrieval skills, Support distance learning, Promote information literacy, Fast information retrieval) of introducing mobile phones for retrieving information from libraries with an average mean score of 5.37 and also with the possible hindrances (i.e. Low bandwidth, More costly to design Mobile-based Information Retrieval System, Budget scarcity, Administrative complexity, Lack of awareness, Fear of innovation) of embracing mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries with a mean score of 4.95. The findings indicate a strong positive attitude and perception of the LIS specialists regarding the use of mobile phones in retrieving information from libraries for better service delivery. The future aspects of this research can be a model plan to design mobile-based information retrieval system for libraries. It will also help other academic institutions of the developing nations towards implementing mobile-based information retrieval from their respective libraries.

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