Abstract:

This paper surveys patrons’ needs of library mobile reading service in terms of usage profile, hardware service, content service, reading experience and factors influencing such a service. As the survey reveals, mobile reading has been adopted by young people widely in China. Secondly, Patrons prefer content service to hardware service. For hardware service, in-library use is favored over loan, while for content service, downloading and digital loan are favored over streaming. Thirdly, most of the policies concerning library ebook service are badly received by patrons. Content display that allows for zooming and/or text flowing, and functionalities including tags, notes, and dictionary have caught patrons’ attention. Finally, this paper finds wireless network, content, and usability exert strong influence over mobile reading service.

Key words: Mobile reading, Library business, Hardware service, Content service, Reading experience