Mobile Applications: Specificity, Functionality, Typology (in the Context of the Prospects for Improving Mobile Library Services)

The article investigates the emergence and functioning of mobile applications as one of the prerequisites for the introduction of mobile services in domestic libraries. The status and development of mobile applications is regarded as one of the most modern means of communication. The features, specifics and benefits of mobile applications of different categories are analyzed. The possibilities of expanding libraries information services with their help are outlined. There is evidence of a significant number of users in Ukraine who have the technical capability to use mobile technology as a communications service and has demand for such a service. Research has shown that the activation of mobile applications is facilitated due to three important factors: improving the operating systems of smartphones; reducing costs and expanding the coverage of the mobile Internet; the appearance of mobile app stores. The analysis of the existing range of mobile applications of different developers is carried out. Their classification by functional purpose and type of creation is specified. The factors that influence the positive dynamics of the mobile app market growth and are the points of interest to many modern companies / institutions are considered. The advantages of mobile applications are identified: audience expansion; marketing and communication channel; optimization of work / production processes; increasing customer loyalty; a source of valuable analytics; competitive advantage. A case in point is the Bavarian State Library experience in creation and implementation of mobile applications. Research has shown that today, foreign libraries are increasingly focusing on creating applications for multiple mobile operating systems at the same time to reach a larger audience. It has been established that the use of mobile applications in library activities has become an effective form of providing libraries with access to their own electronic resources and collections, thus promoting the most valuable national information resources, cultural heritage and facilitating the involvement of users in active national cultural discourse.