April 28, 2024

Mobile Evolution: How Apps Are Adapting to a New Device Ecosystem

In 2012, the usage of apps surpassed the usage of browsers on smartphones and tablets for the first time, according to recent data from digital business analytics provider comScore. The difference is still small—54.5 percent of mobile subscribers used apps in October 2012 compared to 52.7 percent using browsers—but the shift could mark a significant moment for mobile computing. As developers continue to enhance accessibility and incorporate features including cloud-based storage, geolocation, voice input, and visual input, native apps are making mobile devices something more than the sum of their component parts.

SLJ’s Top 10 Tech: 2012

From MOOCs to open educational resources, Joyce Valenza examines the top trends of the year in technology. There are unique opportunities for librarians here and Valenza outlines specific actionables in this online version of School Library Journal’s feature story.

Patrons Expect More Mobile Services | Handheld Librarian Conference

Lee Rainie

There are now more mobile phone subscriptions than there are people in the United States, and U.S. citizens—particularly young people—have rising expectations for mobile services offered by both commercial businesses and public institutions, according to “The State of Mobile Connectivity,” a keynote address by Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, at the 7th Handheld Librarian online conference on Wednesday. Citing data from a Pew study released earlier this year, Rainie noted that 17 percent of U.S. consumers now use a mobile phone or smartphone as their primary or exclusive point of access to the internet. For young people, minority groups, and households earning less than $50,000 per year, the rate is significantly higher.

What Tech in Schools Really Looks Like

When it comes to the latest technology, some schools are more equal than others.

Libraries Still an Important Discovery Source for Kids’ Books, Says Study

When it comes to finding out about good books for children and teens, there’s more to it than Amazon. Bookstores and libraries are still very important in discovery, according to a recent Bowker study.

What Patrons Teach Us—and Publishers Should Learn

A new report from LJ indicates that it is vital for libraries to connect with digital patrons, especially ebook readers, and satisfying their expectations has a meaningful upside for both the library users and the publishing community.

The State of Mobile in Libraries 2012

Where do mobile library services stand in 2012? Nearly two years after the 2010 LJ Mobile Libraries Survey, The mobile library landscape has broadened significantly.

To Attract Parents and Kids, Libraries Should Think Mobile

Public libraries hoping to attract more children and teens, as well as their parents, would do well to focus on mobile technology.

Going Mobile: Key issues to consider for schools weighing BYOD

No doubt, 2011 was the year of the tablet; now we’ll see those devices go to school. BYOD (bring your own device), holds great potential but needs serious consideration before it can be implemented.

SLJ’s Top Ten 2011: Technology

These picks aren’t so much about products, things you should run out and buy, but rather the overarching concepts that’ll potentially shape and be shaped by our collective imagination.