The Coming Paradigm Shift in Computing Interfaces and How Academic Libraries Need to Adapt

Recent reports by IT research groups argue that recent developments in mobile devices and the mobile web will lead to the majority of Internet users accessing web services via mobile devices in the next few years. An analysis of web access statistics for mobile web browsers confirms that, if trends continue, web service access from mobile devices should exceed desktop access by end 2013. Due to the rise in popularity of mobile devices the interface paradigm of keyboard, mouse, windows and pointers that has been in place for the last 20 years is changing to one of touch, gesture, speech and video. Browse based interfaces are changing to search based interfaces and mobile device services are becoming increasingly contextually aware. In the face of these changes educational institutions need to provide new interfaces for their services in formats suitable for mobile devices. Traditional library web services should be simplified in form and function and provided to users alongside traditional desktop computer services Curtin University Library has developed two solutions for mobile users, a mobile website and a library app for Apple devices. Experience in development has highlighted the benefits of a mobile website over a mobile app, including reaching a wider range of clients, reduced development costs, faster content updates and more ready access for users. While there are benefits to device specific applications, it is argued that mobile development for libraries should prioritise mobile website development over mobile app development.