USE OF MOBILE PHONES TO PROVIDE LIBRARY SERVICES: OPINION OF THAPAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’

1. USE OF MOBILE PHONES TO PROVIDE LIBRARY SERVICES: OPINION OF THAPAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ Nirmal Singh Librarian, GGS Khalsa College for Women, Jhar Sahib (Ludhiana)-Punjab Dr. Trishanjit Kaur Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala

2. Developments in Information Communication From the use of signs and symbols to the implementation of Information Communication Technology Two major revolutions in information communication - The Internet - Mobile Technology The 3G spectrum - It will facilitate high-end use and faster transmission of video images and data

3. Why Need to Use Mobile Phones to Provide Library Services The users need information but do not have sufficient time to visit libraries. Rather they expect the libraries to reach them. In changing information environment, librarians need to think about the range of services and methods to outreach the users to way out for managing change. Libraries in other countries of the world are successfully providing library services through mobile phones.

4. India stands second in terms of number of mobile phone users after China. At the end of April 2010, India had 601.22 million mobile phone users with Tele-density of 50.98%. Students constitute a major section of mobile phone users as majority of the users of mobile phones fall in the category of under 30-age group.

5. Library Services through Mobile Phones Text Alerts SMS Reference Service Mobile OPAC Library website Virtual Tour to Library Information literacy Programmes User Surveys

6. About Thapar University Thapar Institute came into existence as an Engineering College in 1956 and got the status of the deemed university in 1985. It has 08 departments and 05 schools offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes in Engineering, Science, Management and Social Sciences. Its central library has collection of about 50,000 print volumes. It provides access to a large number of online and CD-ROM based electronic information resources and is also a member of Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET).

7. Objectives of the Study To find out for what purposes students use mobile phones. To know the users opinions about the provision of library services by mobile phones. To identify the services the users would like to use through mobile phones. To discuss the problems that may arise in way of providing library services through mobile phones. To make suggestions to ensure the adequate provision of library services through mobile phones.

8. Scope of the Study To ascertain the students’ opinions to explore the options for providing library services through mobile phones at Thapar University The study is confined to the students pursuing Master of Computer Application (MCA) course only as they are supposed to be more aware about the recent developments in ICTs.

9. Methodology A questionnaire was designed to know the students’ opinion about the implementation of mobile phones to provide library services. Out of a total 308 students pursuing MCA course at Thapar University, questionnaires were personally administered to 92 (30%) students. About 96.73% questionnaires were received in complete form.

10. Findings All respondents had mobile phones. Majority of them were using these to exchange messages, take pictures and to make and watch videos. In addition to talking and texting, 41.58% respondents were using mobile phones to access information from the Internet. About 95.50% students expressed interest in using library services through mobile phones if provided.

11. Nearly 77.64% respondents preferred to use text alerts service over mobile phones. More than 50% students preferred to receive the alerts by text messages, while 43.52% opted for both the text messages and e-mail. About 68.23% respondents wanted the SMS reference service over mobile phones. Around 52.94% respondents expressed interest in using Mobile OPAC.

12. Nearly 63.52% respondents were interested to access library website through their hand held devices. About 41.18% respondents welcomed the option for provision of virtual tour to library through mobile phones. Around 38.82% respondents agreed to participate in Information Literacy programmes and 31.77% agreed to participate in user surveys.

13. For What Purpose Students Want to Use Library Services over Mobile Phones - 81.18% respondents wanted to get information about recent arrivals in library. - 68.23% were interested to get information about important websites on their area of interest. - 68.23% wanted to accesse-books and e- journals. - 45.89% students were interested to get information about library rules and regulations through mobile phones.

14. Students’ Opinion about Impact of Library Services over Mobile Phones Around 45.89% respondents opined that it will save time of users. About 29.41% students agreed that it will attract users to library. Nearly 18.82% accepted that it will improve the staff-user cooperation. More than 40% respondents agreed to all of the above.

15. Hindrances in Providing Library Services through Mobile Phones Expensive and resource intensive Requires staff expertise Number of mobile service provider Screen quality Network congestions Slow speed of the Internet

16. Recommendations for Provision of Library Services A detailed survey of the user needs and expectations should be conducted The institutions should contact mobile phone service operators for improved transmission of information at nominal charges. Proper training of the staff should be ensured for setting up the services and mobile interface.

17. Users also need to be trained about how to use library services over mobile phones. • There should be information desk with the Internet connectivity and networking in library.

18. Thank you for your kind attention E-mail: nirmal02@yahoo.co.in trishanjit.kaur@gmail.com