The Use of Smart Phones in Rendering University Library Services of the Lebanese Academic Libraries Consortium

Abstract

This study aimed at shedding light on smartphone applications in providing information services in university libraries that are LALC members, in addition to the smart services that students would like to be offered by their libraries. For that, the researcher used the descriptive survey approach, in addition to the interview and observation. Then,1700 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the study sample (students) directly in each of the seven universities mentioned in the study for the academic year 2016-2017 after obtaining the approval of those universities. In addition, to the interview and Libraries webpage observation as tools to gather data. After that, the study results revealed that four of eight libraries used smartphones in rendering their services, but none of these libraries had smartphone applications, except: AUB Libraries, & NDU Library that were a part of the university smartphone Appications. Moreover, BAU libraries,NDU Library, & USEK Library had Mobile Responsive webpages. At the end of study, the researcher recommended some suggestions to adoptsmartphone Appicationsin rendering academic libraries services, in aadition to Library Mobile Application Prototype for LALC.