Investigating The Use of Mobile –Based Technology to Enhance Service Delivery at the University of Education, Winneba, Library

Abstract

The application of mobile phone technology in all aspects of our everyday life cannot be ignored in institutions and establishments including libraries. Therefore libraries in developed economies have embraced the mobile phone revolution and are utilizing them for effective and efficient services. In contrast, however, mobile - based services are not pervasive among academic libraries in Ghana. They are yet to be embraced by academic and research libraries. This paper reports findings of a survey on mobile - based library services conducted at the University of Education, Winneba. The aim of the study was to seek the views of users regarding the use of mobile phones in library services. It sought to find whether they would be interested in using such service. It also aimed at identifying perceived benefits and challenges associated with mobile- based library services. A survey design was therefore adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of undergraduate students who patronised the library between May and June, 2017. Through systematic simple random sampling technique six hundred and eleven (611) students were selected for the study. The students involved were from different departments in the university. The questionnaire for data collection contained both closed and open-ended items. The questionnaires were retrieved right on the spot so there was a high return rate.  After going through the questionnaires 604 were found to be usable for data analysis. Data gathered was analysed using percentages and frequency counts. The possible advantages and challenges associated with mobile based library services at the library were also identified. The results of this survey indicated that users had positive attitude towards mobile- based library services. A number of relevant recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.