Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public
| Pages | 237-251 |
| Date | 18 June 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091 |
| Published date | 18 June 2018 |
| Author | Alan Kerr,Diane Rasmussen Pennington |
Public library mobile apps in
Scotland: views from the local
authorities and the public
Alan Kerr and Diane Rasmussen Pennington
Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess
Scottish public library users’opinions of those apps.
Design/methodology/approach –Two qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey
was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland.
The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics
and content analysis.
Findings –All 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and
13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing
an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were
satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted
the public regarding app provision. The public (n¼185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised
the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated
interest in apps.
Research limitations/implications –It is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that
are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development
process to ensure they are happy with the implementation.
Originality/value –This is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one
of the first in public library app use worldwide.
Keywords Public libraries, Computer applications, Questionnaires, Scotland, Software development,
Mobile applications
Paper type Research paper
Introduction and literature review
Scottish public library services are solely the responsibility of the 32 local authorities and
have a statutory duty to secure the provision of library facilities for their residents. These
authorities ranged from suburban city councils (e.g. Edinburgh City Council or Glasgow
City Council) to widespread and remote areas e.g. Shetland Islands Council or Dumfries and
Galloway Council. Libraries clearly now require an internet presence, but debate remains on
whether a dedicated mobile app or a website optimised for mobile use is best. Data from the
USA estimate that mobile users spend over 80 per cent of their time on a core set of apps and
20 per cent on a mobile internet browser (Spence, 2014). This suggests that possibly having
simple online access to a service is insufficient; perhaps a dedicated app is necessary to
engage library patrons on their mobile devices. Libraries compete with the likes of Twitter
and Facebook for their patrons’attention. The public is increasingly accustomed to constant
access to services in both time and place, so it behoves libraries to cater to this expectation.
Libraries must reconsider how they decide what services they provide by learning what the
public wants, rather than deciding on their own and then expecting the public to accept the
services provided.
The rapid adoption of smartphone and tablet technologies presents public libraries with
the challengeof incorporating them in a safe,secure and effective manner. The fusionof smart
and mobile technologies allows handheld devices to displace deskbound computers and
laptops. Tablets andmobiles combine small size with improved battery technology, allowing
internet accessanywhere. Minimal infrastructure and affordability of Wi-Fi and 4G networks
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 36 No. 2, 2018
pp. 237-251
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-05-2017-0091
Received 8 May 2017
Revised 6 July 2017
Accepted 11 July 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
237
Public library
mobile apps
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