Library information resources on PDA

1
Library information resources on PDA

• Mary Peterson
• Royal Adelaide Hospital / Inst. Of Medical
  Veterinary Science
• mary.peterson_at_imvs.sa.gov.au

2
Outline

• Mobile computers / PDAs
• Resources for mobile devices
• Suitable information resources
• Management issues
• Technical
• Legal (licensing)

3
Mobile computers

• PDAs
• E-book readers
• Tablets
• Laptop computers
• Wireless

4
What are they used for?

• Diary
• Address book
• Email (live or synchronised)
• e-book reader
• Multi-media
• Wireless connections
• Phone

5
Why are they popular?

• Easy to use
• Small and portable
• Wireless network connection possible
• Downloads possible

6
Key points in health care

• harnesses point of care energy spike
• fresh in mind
• info integrated into decision-making
• prevents mistakes
• e.g. alerts for drug interactions

7
Information resources

• Drug databases
• Prescribing aids
• Dictionaries
• Textbooks
• Databases (Cochrane, Medline)
• Full-text linked to above
• Individual journal subscription

8
Management issues

• Technical
• Legal (licensing)

9
Technical issues - hardware

• Operating systems
• Docking stations
• Wireless range
• Types of device
• Who buys them?

10
Technical issues software

• Operating systems
• Software download versions
• Network software support
• Web windows
• Javascript
• Multiple windows
• Create PDA-friendly website?
• Download / syncing time

11
Licensing issues

• Institutional subscription
• No downloads for PDA
• Vendor hesitation
• No pricing model
• Consortia
• No pricing model

12
Conclusions

• Can be very useful
• Have some limitations

13
Library information resources on PDA

• Mary Peterson
• Royal Adelaide Hospital / Inst. Of Medical
  Veterinary Science
• mary.peterson_at_imvs.sa.gov.au