The design and implementation of a Mobile Library APP system

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to increase usage rate of libraries in universities and colleges, this study developed a Mobile Library APP System and analyzed users' usage and level of satisfaction. The analysis results served as the reference for the development and improvement of libraries in universities and colleges' mobile information systems. Design/methodology/approach - This study developed a Mobile Library APP System and probed into and evaluated college students' usage and level of satisfaction with the system by using questionnaire. Individual interviews were carried out to find out their standpoints and opinions about their library usage via mobile technology. Findings - The analysis of experiment results showed that students' attitude toward the Mobile Library APP System was highly positive. This indicated the system certainly assisted them in increasing their work efficiency and their willingness in continuously using this APP system in library-relevant activities. Practical implications - Students' viewpoints indicated that, by using Mobile Library APP System, they could effectively searched for books, magazines, e-books and other e-resources in a timely manner. The time spent in information searching was shortened and individual work efficiency was promoted. Moreover, in interview sessions, students suggested to add categorized search, book recommendation, book discussion and other functions to increase user population and willingness of continuous usage. Originality/value - To find out the actual usage of the Mobile Library, this study developed the Mobile Library APP System and invited students of National University of Tainan in Taiwan to be experimental subjects. The results of data analysis indicate that the system acquires highly favorable view from student. Thus, it can be inferred that research results of this study are representative and have practical values in real world practice.