Mobile Tech and the Librarian: The iTest iPad Project

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Medical Informatics
• Information Science

Background:

• The integration of mobile technology into healthcare settings is rapidly evolving.
• Health sciences librarians play a crucial role in information dissemination and user support.
• Understanding the adoption patterns and leadership potential of librarians with new technologies is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the adoption of the Apple iPad2 by health sciences librarians.
• To identify how librarians integrated iPads into their daily workflows and services.
• To explore the leadership roles librarians assumed in promoting mobile technology.

Main Methods:

• A 2012 project involved 48 health sciences librarians from hospital and academic libraries.
• Participants received an iPad2, along with comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Data was collected to evaluate iPad adoption and the emergence of leadership roles.

Main Results:

• Eighty-nine percent of participants intended to continue using the iPad post-project.
• The iPad was primarily adopted as a productivity tool and for point-of-need services.
• Librarians actively assumed leadership roles in advocating for mobile technology and its applications.

Conclusions:

• Health sciences librarians can effectively integrate iPads into their professional practice.
• Mobile technology adoption by librarians can extend to leadership in promoting digital tools.
• The study highlights the value of providing training and support for technology integration in libraries.