Application of Mobile Technologies for Access and Retrieval of Information in Emergency Situation: An Eye Opener for Libraries and Information Users

Abstract

The paper explored the application of mobile technologies for access and retrieval of information in emergency situation. This study was necessary to open the eyes of the libraries and users more on the available opportunities presented by mobile technologies for access and retrieval of information using mobile devices. As in the case of lockdown of libraries and other institutions during covid-19 pandemic which was an unforeseen emergency that left the economy closed for months; students, faculty members, researchers and the entire populace were hindered from accessing physical libraries. Many information users lacked information about the efficacy of their mobile devices in accessing information of their choice. However, the paper discovered that library services can still be accessed using mobile devices and applications such as online reference services through mobile phones, mobile-based online databases, mobile personal space or my library through Smartphone, short message service (SMS) notifications, social media network etc. The study identified various mobile applications that aid mobile libraries such as worldcat mobile, wordweb dictionary, encyclopedia Britannica mobile, meebo mobile, library of congress, medlinePlus mobile, U.S.A factbook free, OECD factbook 2010, history: maps of the world, planets etc. To ensure successful application of mobile-based information technologies, there is need to have good understanding of how each of the technologies is used which requires personal or institutional training on the use of mobile library.