Connecting with Health Science Students and Faculty to Facilitate the Design of a Mobile Library Website

Abstract

Observing increasing usage of smartphones by students and faculty of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, librarians at Rowland Medical Library decided to explore student and faculty interest in a mobile website for the library. Focus groups were held to examine interest in a site, essential resources to include on a site, and format of the site itself. The study found significant interest in the development of a mobile library website; additionally, participants believed it essential that the site be simple and easy to use and that only certain library resources should be included on the site.

KEYWORDS:

• Health science libraries
• mobile apps
• mobile patrons
• mobile website
• smartphones

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant RE-05-09-0087-09, through the Certificate of Advanced Study in Health Sciences Librarianship Program, University of Pittsburgh.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adelia Grabowsky

Adelia Grabowsky, MLIS ([email protected]) is Health Sciences Librarian, Ralph Brown Draughon Library, Auburn University, 231 Mell Street, Auburn, AL 36849;

Melissa Wright

Melissa Wright, MLIS, PhD ([email protected]) is Reference Librarian, Instructional Services, Rowland Medical Library, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.