Libraries on the Go: Handheld and Mobile Access to Information

Date : April 12, 2007
Location: McShain Auditorium, Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA 19010
Time: 9:00am to 12:30pm
Speaker: Megan Fox, Librarian, Web/Electronic Resources, Simmons College

As more of our patrons and staff members interact with the library using mobile handheld devices, such as PDAs, iPods and smart phones, it is increasingly important to understand both the possibilities and the limits of providing content and services for small screen mobile devices. This session will provide a fast paced overview of the current devices on the market, and how new technologies are making handheld computers not just palatable but preferable for on-the-go users. Included will be the latest developments in applications for mobile and handheld tools, how these can and are being utilized by libraries and information seekers of all kinds, how mobile searching is different from a regular search engine, and a sneak peek at what’s coming down the development pike for mobile search. Come learn about what's happening with traditional information vendors and mobile interfaces, reference texting, and multimedia (such as podcasting and location-free tv) for your mobile device.

Megan Fox is one of the national leaders in handheld technology and applications for libraries. At Simmons College, Megan is Web and Electronic Services Librarian, as well as Special Projects Analyst for Administration and Planning. She manages the Library's Web site, negotiates contracts and subscriptions for online research databases, and assists the Public Services department with instruction, faculty outreach, and marketing library services. Megan also teaches graduate and continuing education courses for the Graduate School of Library & Information Science. She has spoken all over the country at numerous conferences on handhelds and libraries.