Abstract:

Libraries are prevalent cultural and information institutions all over the civilized world. They have proven to be highly satisfactory in regard to meeting the information needs of different society groups and have gained the society’s confidence. In view of their mission and policy of service, libraries are some of the most democratic institutions. They play a key role in providing equal and unrestricted access to information for everyone.

Mobile access to libraries’ information resources and services may be realised in different ways. One of them, used for a long time and considered traditional, is realised through means of transport – a bookmobile, most commonly. Another relatively recent, but extensively implemented form of mobile access is remote access, which makes use of the opportunities provided by the internet and contemporary information technologies. Furthermore, there are temporary initiatives offering library resources and services in institutions and even outdoors – in parks, in the mountain, on the beach, etc. Mobile services are constantly improved and enriched. Young scientists from the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia, Bulgaria actively work on the innovative idea of library service by means of a drone. Every single one of these approaches to access to information is important for a certain group of users and has its advantages over the others.

This paper presents and analysеs different forms of mobile access to information resources and services – traditional mobile libraries, digital libraries with mobile access as well as temporary initiatives and innovative ideas like library service by means of a drone. Their application and benefits in specific situations are examined. Every one of these forms of access to information is irreplaceable for satisfying particular users’ needs.

In summary, the survey’s conclusions aim to emphasise the significance of mobile access to library services and resources in order for libraries to adequately answer users’ requests, support people with specific needs and provide them with information, accomplish social and information programmes and initiatives, assure equal and unrestricted access to information.

Keywords:

Mobile libraries, digital libraries, ICT, mobile technologies, drone.