Abstract:

Information and communications technology’s integration in the education and information sphere plays a major role. Being an inseparable part of the contemporary global society’s image, it creates limitless opportunities for library and education institutions to provide unconstrained access to information resources regardless of time and location. For this reason surveying Bulgarian library institutions’ awareness and attitude concerning opportunities presented by mobile digital libraries and mobile learning is recognised as being a matter of the utmost importance.

The present paper outlines results, conclusions and recommendations from a national survey entitled “Mobile digital libraries and mobile learning” conducted in Bulgaria. The aim of this survey was to gather information about the level of awareness, the experience and Bulgarian library institutions’ specialists’ opinion of mobile libraries and mobile learning as well as their application in diverse library activities.

The survey was carried out among 960 libraries in the country and covered the period from 11 January 2017 to 11 February 2017. The data were collected using a specifically designed instrument. The objective of this empirical research was to determine, analyse and summarise the degree of library and information specialists’ awareness of mobile library service and mobile learning provision, the extent of application and the attitude towards these forms for satisfying library users’ needs.

In summary, the survey’s conclusions are expected to enrich the existing literature on the issue and to provoke discussion among the country’s library community as well as The Bulgarian Library and Information Association (BLIA) and governing bodies. In order for customers’ information needs to be adequately satisfied and for library institutions to function in synchronisation with European tendencies, a responsible government policy and national strategies for integration of mobile technology in the education and information sector are of great necessity.

Keywords:

Mobile learning, Mobile digital libraries, Bulgaria, ICT, Library.