Will smartphones--or, more precisely, the applications (apps) designed for them--make librarians extinct? That outcome may seem far-fetched, but information professionals may need to re-think what they do if they want to thrive in a mobile world.
That's the message from Tom Boone, a reference librarian, professor, and blogger, writing in the January/February issue of Information Outlook. His article, "Ensuring the Visibility of Librarians," minces no words about the threat posed by mobile applications:
Within the typical smartphone ecosystem, a rise in the number of mobile apps will result in a decrease in the visibility of librarians. Once a vendor develops a mobile app, library patrons will download the app onto their phones. Having done this, they will now only need to select an icon on their phone's desktop to access the database. This will effectively eliminate any library branding from the user experience.
The solution to this problem, he concludes, is for information professionals to redefine the roles they play in the research process. Some of the roles may not sound very appealing--for example, working for vendors to organize information within mobile apps--but they increasingly will be necessary if librarians are to remain relevant in a mobile world.
Check out Tom's article in the January/Feburary issue, now available online. And be sure to read the companion theme articles, which discuss how to evaluate the success of mobile technologies and how libraries can provide training and support to clients using mobile devices.
I must say that I am a smartphone owner, app user, and future librarian. I've recently seen apps which include library catalogs (including the library where I work). So libraries are really trying to remain relevant in this app world we live in today. Also, I really liked the mention of librarians learning apps so that they can provide assistance and guidance in users evaluating and utilizing library and information apps.
Posted by: Marie | 20 February 2011 at 09:11 PM