Abstract:

Mobile technologies are changing the way in which you create, consume and distribute information. These changes in turn impact the services and resources that academic libraries provide to their users. The purpose of the study is to explore and document the libraries best practices in the development and use of mobile versions and mobile applications applied to the teaching-learning process and in the access to the collections and library services. This study uses mixed methodology and integrates the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. Research will contribute to the creation of a common base knowledge for professors and librarians, mainly in the field of education and information sciences. This research is consistent with the project of communities of practice for librarians that are being conducted at the University of Puerto Rico, particularly the community of practice for the integration of emerging technologies. As a result, this research can serve as a benchmark to stimulate interest in using and integrating the use of mobile applications in the teaching-learning process and in the services that are offered by academic libraries of Puerto Rico, the United States and internationally.

Objectives:
1. Identify mobile technology mostly used by students, purpose of its use and the type of communication channel used.
2. Learn about the users' opinions on library services through mobile applications or versions.
3. Identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities of using mobile technology to support learning and to facilitate access to information in libraries.
4. Explore the integration of mobile applications in the teaching-learning process and library services.
5. Compare the perception of librarians and students on mobile services in academic institutions.

Research questions:
1. How has the use of mobile applications and mobile versions been incorporated to expand access to collections and customer service in academic libraries?
2. What are the benefits, challenges and opportunities of using mobile technology to support learning and to facilitate access to information provided by the library?
3. What are the best practices for integrating mobile applications in the teaching-learning process and library services?
4. How compare the perception of librarians and students on mobile services in the academic institution?

Conclusion:
The analysis of the results shows that there are opportunities and interest in the development of initiatives to use and create mobile versions of applications and portals in academic libraries in Puerto Rico. The data demonstrate the limitations currently faced by libraries in order to develop viable mobile technology; however, there is an opportunity to strengthen technological skills through staff trainings. In order to keep several initiatives related to the development and use of versions or mobile applications, it is necessary to have an Internet connection, the availability of updated equipment, and staff time for implementation to be successful. This, in turn, must go along with a concrete planning and establishing the Project as a priority in the library.

Keywords:

Mobile devises, library services, teaching and learning, faculty, librarians.