IT and Libraries: Mobile interface to enhance access to libraries’ content

As if smart phones weren't already hard enough to put down, new, mobile-optimized interfaces are coming for both Summon, Serials Solutions’ discovery platform, and a number of EBSCO (the leading digital books and magazines provider) resources.

The Summon mobile interface should provide students and researchers most of the same features and options as the regular search interface, including access to both local materials and electronic resources available from the library. The mobile search option is an alternative interface, not a separate downloadable app. Users navigate to a library's mobile Summon site the same way they would visit any web address, then authenticate themselves to access linked content—as is typical with remote resources.

Others offering access to library content are also gearing up for mobile access. EBSCO will soon release EBSCOhost Mobile; according to a post on EBSCO's support site, “the interface will include many features for an enhanced mobile experience, is optimized for internet-enabled handheld devices, and qualified for all the major Smart Phones."