Information provision for HE distance learners using mobile devices

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to investigate the current habits of distance learners in higher education (HE) regarding information access and mobile device use, and their attitudes for future changes to their habits. Design/methodology/approach - Distance learning students were surveyed to determine their information access habits, mobile device use, and attitudes towards future changes. A survey was e-mailed to approximately 1,500 distance learners at Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) as well as an online survey being publicised in the student newsletter, which all students receive. Four weeks were allowed for responses and the survey was highlighted in the newsletter a week after being e-mailed; 62 responses were received. Findings - While books and journals were accessed primarily in print, respondents wanted to use them electronically in future; all other learning materials were already available electronically. Laptops and desktops are the main devices for accessing information and, despite most respondents owning a mobile phone and almost half having an mp3 player, remarkably few respondents expressed a desire to use other mobile devices in the future. Reasons range from technological specifications to compatibility of material; furthermore, almost half of respondents have bought or would buy mobile devices for education. Practical implications - The paper provides empirical evidence for understanding the attitudes of distance learners towards academic library service provision using mobile devices. This research will assist libraries in planning future changes to the delivery of their services. Originality/value - The current body of literature lacks direct quantitative feedback from students on their information habits and how they would like to access information in the future. The paper fills some of the gaps.