Database mobile accessibility assessment at Adelphi University libraries

An increasing number of users are reaching out to their academic library from their mobile devices to search for scholarly content. As a result, the resources offered through the library Web site should be equally accessible on all devices. Database content is a critical library resource, and vendor products must evolve to function effectively on all types of devices. This study examined 197 databases at Adelphi University Libraries to determine if they are universally accessible either through the provision of an app or a mobile-optimized Web site. The study concluded that the majority of vendor platforms are not optimized for viewing across smart devices. These findings indicate that libraries should encourage vendors to offer mobileoptimized databases, and desktop computers may still be necessary for database searching.