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Research Plus™ mobile app: information literacy “On the Go”

Kimberly Mullins (Long Island University at Post, Brookville, New York, USA)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 13 February 2017

1658

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a case study illustrating the systematic approach librarians used to develop of an information literacy mobile application (app) prototype that aids students in performing research tasks “on the go”.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial findings from a student survey on technology use indicated the value of an information literacy mobile application. The analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation approach was used to develop the app. Alpha and small-scale usability testing was performed to evaluate the prototype’s readiness for deployment.

Findings

The survey analysis indicated that students were not using mobile devices as expected for library related tasks. Student suggestions for improving their library experiences included mobile access to the libraries’ digital collection, mobile reference support and an application that assisted them in effectively using these resources. Usability studies indicated a positive response to the app and its readiness for beta testing among the inclusive student population.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first native information literacy mobile application whose aim is to help students with research on the go. The step-by-step approach used for each phase of development, as well as the implications for success, may serve as a model for libraries’ seeking to enhance their mobile resources.

Keywords

Citation

Mullins, K. (2017), "Research Plus™ mobile app: information literacy “On the Go”", Reference Services Review, Vol. 45 No. 1, pp. 38-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-03-2016-0020

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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