Oliver as a Library management system has the capacity to act as a social platform, Moving it beyond just a cataloguing and catalogue exploration tool. This is primarily seen with the option to post and share reviews about books and other resources that users have written, which is a growing feature of the platform. This social function allows users to assess based on other’s reviews whether they think a resource will be an appropriate choice for them, assisting them in their use of the library system and collection. As a web-based platform, Oliver functions incredibly well, and the mobile access provides “enhanced user oriented servives” and “experiences” (Obinyan, 2020, p. 371.). As a platform to inform users of other library information, however, it is not the most effective platform. Likewise, the access to the platform via smaller smart devices, such as moblie phones, has abysmal functionality that must be addressed before users may effectively use it not only as a catalogue tool, but also as a social tool. Simply put, the platform is not designed or suited to smart phone use, and when accessed in such a manner the social aspects of the site become inaccessible, thereby rendering them useless. This lack of functionality is in direct detriment to libraries who implement Oliver as a Library Management system, as users are often in favour of accessing such resources from moblie phone (Obinyan, 2020).

 

Facebook and Instagram, on the other hand, may offer a range of other positive attributes for libraries whilst also being accessible by mobile devices, rather than just operating as a web based information service (Obinyam, 2020). With specific sites designed for both mobile use through an app, and web-based browsing supported on computers, Facebook and Instagram are more effectively supported for user access. Operating as a social platform, whilst they do not provide direct access to Library Management Systems, they can be linked to them, and offer further social opportunities that libraries may to exploit to the benefit of their users. Announcements may be made about events and collection items, and opening times and contact information may be shared and made readily accessible to users. Whilst not offering all the library-specific functionality of a designated library website or Library Management System, where users may peruse the collection or access current and previously borrowed items in their accounts, they can still provide stable links to these services, thereby enhancing user experience and access to the library. It is clear that Libary Management Systems such as Oliver have a long way to go in terms of mobile technology accessiblity and functionality if they too would like to reap the rewards of larger social sites such as Facebook and Instagram, with their priority being the creation and disemination of a user friendly app that allows for all of these functions to occur in one place.

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Reference List

Obinyan, O. O. (2020). Application of mobile technologies in library service delivery. In A. Tella (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Digital Devices for Inclusivity and Engagement in Libraries (pp. 371-381). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-9034-7.ch019