National Library catalogue goes mobile and also launches mobile strategy

The National Library of Australia has taken a major step forward in the adoption of mobile internet in announcing the launch of its mobile strategy and mobile apps for both iOS and Android providing access to their complete catalogue.

In particular the Library’s mobile strategy (released under a Creative Commons license) is the most visionary and far-reaching I have seen in Australia, setting out to,

• improve access to the Library’s collection and services for audiences, wherever they are, whether on-site or anywhere else in the world,
• equip staff to champion and drive the development of mobile services to improve access and productivity,
• adopt an evidence-based approach to service development and delivery,
• modernise the Library brand to reflect relevance, accessibility and innovation,
• create opportunities for learning, and
• facilitate connections, conversation and overall engagement with national collection material.

Through a series of tactics including,

• establishing and expanding the infrastructure and back-end systems required to support mobile initiatives, products and services,
• adopting standards and best practices for interoperable mobile content and cross-platform data management,
• seeking out and engaging new technologies to achieve marketing and communications goals, and,
• building, consolidating and sharing expertise.

Learn more about the Library’s new mobile resources at www.nla.gov.au/mobile-resources