23 Mobile Things: self-directed and effective professional learning
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2014-0034 |
| Date | 10 November 2014 |
| Pages | 582-593 |
| Published date | 10 November 2014 |
| Author | Michael Stephens |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
23 Mobile Things: self-directed
and effective professional
learning
Michael Stephens
School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University,
San Jose
´, California, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the “Mobile 23 Things” survey results from
the program offered by Guldborgsund-bibliotekerne (a public library in Denmark) and present the
findings as support for professional development (PD) models to increase library staff familiarity with
emerging technologies.
Design/methodology/approach – Using an integrated, explo ratory approach, a web-based survey
tool, developed for a previous Learning 2.0 study, was adapted for this study, with survey questions
translated English – Danish, and responses Danish – English. The data gathered from both pre- and
post-program surveys are presented and analyzed.
Findings – The research results identify that 23 Mobile Things increases familiarity with movable
technologies, promotes inclusive learning, and can be an effective model for delivering PD.
Originality/value – This paper reports on the first research study to evaluate the 23 Mobile
Things model and provides evidence that this model of library staff PD can be an overall beneficial
experience that increases staff knowledge and expertise related to mobile devices and applications.
Keywords Professional development, Mobile app, Mobile device, 23 Mobile Things, Mobile tech,
Web su rvey
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Since its debut eight years ago, nearly 1,000 libraries worldwide have offered
the Learning 2.0 (L2.0) professional development (PD) program to their staff. Also
known as “23 Things,” the self-paced online program aims to educate library personnel
about emerging technology, generate a willingn ess to explore and adapt to
technological change, and to promote how to use emerging technolog y to better
serve their communities.
The L2.0 program relies on interactive learning modules (the “things”) that library
staff can accessusing a desktop or laptop computer. Moduletopics include popular sites
like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. However, more and more library patrons are
using mobile devices, rather than computers, to access information. Recognizing this
transformation in the way individuals prefer to seek information, the L2.0 program
was adapted in 2012 to a new platform, engaging library staff via mobile devices,
rather than computers, in a self-paced online learning journey. Retitled “23 Mobile
Things,” the program was developed by Jan Holmquist, D irector of Development, at
Guldborgsund-bibliotekerne, a public library in Denmark.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Received 28 February 2014
Revised 17 May 2014
Accepted 18 May 2014
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 8/9, 2014
pp. 582-593
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-02-2014-0034
Special thanks to Jan Holmquist for his work on this 23 Mobile Things program and for
partnering for research. Thanks also to Kenneth P. Nielsen of Phrase It for his assistance with the
survey translations.
582
LM
35,8/9
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