The Internet of Things: Mobile Technology and Location Services in Libraries

Drawing examples from a case study of an Internet of Things (IoT)-powered mobile application, librarian Jim Hahn demonstrates IoT uses for location-based services in libraries. The case integrates Bluetooth beacons into an undergraduate library's book stacks. With BLE (Bluetooth low energy) technology, researchers were able to implement a location-based recommender that relies on subject classifications in call numbers from which to provide recommendations based on location. Recommendations of digital content like e-books and e-journals can be provided from the context of the book stacks browsing experience. This report explores key technologies for bringing IoT services to libraries, noting especially the privacy and security issues for library leaders, system designers, and users of IoT services. Inside, Hahn:Introduces the concepts and principles driving the IoT and explores possible library uses with IoT technologyDemonstrates the benefits of location-based services in librariesReviews updates to mobile technology and several compelling hardware components that make up the IoT, including Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and new Wi-Fi standards for Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS); andConsiders privacy and security considerations within IoT technology in libraries and offers suggestions for creating privacy policies.