Mobile Access to Audio and Video Collections in Libraries and Other Cultural Institutions

Abstract

Mobile devices have become commonplace, and are increasingly capable of accessing multi-media resources such as audio and video. Many libraries maintain multi-media digital collections that could be accessed on mobile devices. Mobile devices, however, offer unique display and technical challenges that need to be addressed. The benefits of mobile access to library collections include the promise of increased use and an enhanced user experience. In this article we provide a detailed discussion of the issues related to mobile delivery of digital media, including a literature review, an overview of significant technical issues, and three case studies.

Which platform do our users prefer: website or mobile app?

“…Only a highly limited number of articles could be found. Doi et al (2011) explained that “while many libraries are effectively presenting digital [audio and video] collections online mainly for desktop users […] libraries are not usually tailoring this content to mobile use.” They further stressed that “making an effort to present content appropriately for mobile devices is possible and quite beneficial to a growing percentage of a library's user base.” Then, they went into introducing and commenting the few mobile video and audio collections that were created by libraries and cultural institutions. The “NFB Films” iPhone app was one of the largely successful examples that they mentioned.…”