Virtuaalikampus Mobiilioppimisen yhteistyöhanke Oulun yliopistossa
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Dynamic localisation of books and collections

Second version of SmartLibrary is being tested

The testing and trial use of SmartLibrary, a new service of the Oulu University Library developed in the Rotuaari project has recently been started. Around ten researchers participate in the testing, some of them working with the Rotuaari project or other projects while others are working on their thesis.

The testing involves for example measuring of user experience with different methods, which include traditional follow-up studies, a usage diary and a web questionnaire, which is answered during the use. Fifteen test users took part in the first section of the follow-up study, and a similar number will fill in the diary as well. Several dozens, perhaps even hundreds of replies are expected to the questionnaire study. The testing will last until the end of spring.

The second version has several new features: for example guidance is now available also for the mobile phone - OULA search has of course worked on mobile phones also previously. Another new feature is a content production tool meant for the library staff: it allows the clerks to define the locations of shelf classes within the library as well as so-called landmarks, such as a photocopier, group work room or the borrowing desk - basically any target that can be located within the library disregarding shelf classes.

The purpose of the landmarks is to make it easier for the users to find the objects that they are looking for in the library and to locate themselves at the same time. In a small library an operation like this is unnecessary, but it is very useful in large library complexes. Landmarks also guide users to other libraries of the organisation (in this case the University of Oulu). SmartLibrary is operable in devices with an Internet connection and a right kind of browser (HTML browser in a PDA, XHTML browser in a mobile phone).

This means that in practice the SmartLibrary can be used anywhere where there is an Internet connection and a browser available. Information about user location is still available only for devices that are compatible with the Ekahau positioning technology.

In principle it is already possible to use the new version through the Internet but it will not be actively advertised to university students and personnel until the test results have been completely analysed and the service works with sufficient impeccability. At the moment the service includes the borrowable collections of the main library, but in the near future it will also cover other libraries of the university, such as Tellus and Snellmania.
Introduction Suomeksi University of Oulu Educational technology Mobile services SmartLibrary