Mobile phone use among Ukrainian and US students: a library perspective

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to determine college/university students’ mobile phone practices to understand key user preferences and set a baseline understanding for the development of prospective library informational mobile services. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the results of an online-survey method. The authors recruited students majoring in the Information Science program in School of Information at Pratt Institute (USA) (74 participants) and in Kyiv National University of Cultural and Arts (Ukraine) (89 participants). Findings The general trends in the use of mobile technologies by American and Ukrainian students were identified. Key components of library mobile services are offered. Such services may include information and reference service via messengers; development of library mobile applications of audio and video content; access to educational, scientific, popular science literature and fiction; and supplementing online services with library chatbots. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to only students majoring in information science at university; however, the data obtained helps outline several general trends common to student youth who are actively working with information. Practical implications The obtained results will be useful in the practical activities of libraries and other information institutions for the development of a comprehensive information service based on mobile technology. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding how to improve library informational service considering users habits and preferences. Libraries management and librarians can use the findings as a basis for prioritizing the improvement of library informational mobile service.