Friday, September 12

Hello, Operator? Give Me The Library Catalogue

It's a few months old now but still current: the Pew Internet and American Life Project released its Report on Mobile Access to Data and Information in March 2008.

Pew found that - to the surprise of absolutely no one - more Americans rely on their cell phones for non-voice data applications than ever before. Here's a tidbit I found most interesting:
Leading the way in this world of untethered access are young adult Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans. A majority of adults under age 30 and Hispanics would find it hardest to do without their cell phones – and are much more likely to say it would be hard to be without a cell phone than to be without the internet or email. Hispanics in the United States are a more youthful group than whites or African Americans, but Latinos’ attachment to the cell phone stands out even after controlling for age and other demographic and socio-economic factors.

Libraries are behind the curve when it comes to delivering data to their customers via cell phones. We also talk the talk about serving the Latino community, but if libraries don't step up and make their Web sites and catalogues accessible through phone browsers we aren't walking the walk.

1 comment:

atomicbrewster said...

That's some pretty cool stuff. It's funny but it seems like PC's could easily be outdated in the future. By the way, if you're looking for a good ol' pick me up from our friends at Mahogany Rush, Frank has generously made the majority of his entire catalogue available for your FREE listening enjoyment at www.mahoganyrush.com. And that my friend, is "The Answer".