Apps for Librarians: Using the Best Mobile Technology to Educate, Create, and Engage

Nicole Hennig

Sep 2014 · ABC-CLIO

About this ebook

How can your library—and your patrons—benefit from mobile apps? This guidebook offers a solid foundation in "app-literacy," supplying librarians with the knowledge to review and recommend apps, offer workshops, and become the app expert for their communities.

Smartphones and other mobile devices that support downloadable applications—universally referred to as "apps"—can be used to foster productivity, conduct research, or read and study. Additionally, savvy librarians can better serve their communities by gaining expertise in mobile technologies and being qualified to make app recommendations to patrons. This book introduces you to the apps that can help you save time and increase your own productivity as well as serve as a curator and reviewer of apps and resident expert to benefit your patrons.

Apps for Librarians: Using the Best Mobile Technology to Educate, Create, and Engage will save you from wading through and learning about the millions of apps available today and direct you to the very best apps in areas important to education, the workplace, and professional development. Organized by function—reading, writing, reference, multi-media, and productivity—apps are profiled with the following information: title, developer, price, platforms, general description, examples of use, and key features that make it worthwhile for learning and creative work.

Describes the most important, high-quality mobile apps in specific topic areas of interest to librarians

Provides examples of how these apps are useful for education, creativity, and productivity for all types of users, including those with special needs

Supplies a detailed checklist of what information to include when reviewing apps

Includes an extensive resource guide to books, blogs, websites, courses, and other sources for keeping up with mobile apps

Provides notes on app functionality, features, price, and developer as well as any pertinent limitations

About the author

Nicole Hennig is an independent user experience professional who helps librarians and educators effectively use mobile technologies.