A brand new edition of the highly successful M-Libraries series, this draws together cutting-edge international contributions from the leading authorities in the field. Based on the proceedings of the Fourth International M-Libraries Conference held in Milton Keynes in 2012 it explores the variety of work that libraries are doing across the world to deliver resources to users via mobile and hand-held devices. The main strands of discussion include: - Imagination - looking at the future of m-libraries - Transformation - focusing on the transformation of services, learners or institutions through the introduction of mobile technologies - Inspiration - focusing on mobile innovation - Implementation - case studies of successful implementation of mobile services - Collaboration - a discussion of mobile strategy and ideas. Readership: Information professionals in all sectors and researchers, educators, technical developers, managers and library professionals. It will also be invaluable for students of library and information science and newcomers to the profession.

"Mobile Phone Ownership is considerably more ubiquitous than internet access via personal computers: more and more people around the world are carrying a tiny mobile device of some kind in their pocket or handbag. The environment in which people find and use information is changing - we are busier, we are constantly on the move and whether we are shopping, booking a holiday or looking for train times we expect instant results. What does all this mean for libraries?" "The development of networked technologies opened up huge opportunities for libraries to make their resources and services accessible to their users regardless of distance. The opportunity to deliver these to users via their mobile phones, PDAs and other handheld devices will be as significant a challenge. Indeed, if libraries choose to ignore this challenge, they are in danger of being left behind in an increasingly competitive world of information provision and services. This authoritative collection of contributions from experts in the field, based on the First International M-Libraries Conference, explores the technical and social context for m-libraries, describes a range of global initiatives with lessons learned, and discusses the potential for future development."--BOOK JACKET.

The second edition of this handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview on the various aspects in the rapidly developing field of robotics. Reaching for the human frontier, robotics is vigorously engaged in the growing challenges of new emerging domains. Interacting, exploring, and working with humans, the new generation of robots will increasingly touch people and their lives. The credible prospect of practical robots among humans is the result of the scientific endeavour of a half a century of robotic developments that established robotics as a modern scientific discipline. The ongoing vibrant expansion and strong growth of the field during the last decade has fueled this second edition of the Springer Handbook of Robotics. The first edition of the handbook soon became a landmark in robotics publishing and won the American Association of Publishers PROSE Award for Excellence in Physical Sciences & Mathematics as well as the organization’s Award for Engineering & Technology. The second edition of the handbook, edited by two internationally renowned scientists with the support of an outstanding team of seven part editors and more than 200 authors, continues to be an authoritative reference for robotics researchers, newcomers to the field, and scholars from related disciplines. The contents have been restructured to achieve four main objectives: the enlargement of foundational topics for robotics, the enlightenment of design of various types of robotic systems, the extension of the treatment on robots moving in the environment, and the enrichment of advanced robotics applications. Further to an extensive update, fifteen new chapters have been introduced on emerging topics, and a new generation of authors have joined the handbook’s team. A novel addition to the second edition is a comprehensive collection of multimedia references to more than 700 videos, which bring valuable insight into the contents. The videos can be viewed directly augmented into the text with a smartphone or tablet using a unique and specially designed app. Springer Handbook of Robotics Multimedia Extension Portal: http://handbookofrobotics.org/

The book is designed to give students and new library workers the skills they need to succeed as well as get experienced librarians up to speed on the new developments in technology, publishing, and education. The book takes a broad view of all aspects of library work with children, addressing the dramatic and ongoing changes in school and public libraries. - Back cover

Music librarianship offers meaningful and fulfilling work to people from varied backgrounds. As libraries adapt to everchanging economic, demographic, cultural, and technological landscapes, it is essential for music library workers to possess a keen understanding of what is needed to remain relevant and to thrive. Whether contemplating a new career in music libraries, expanding liaison responsibilities in music, seeking paths for professional development, or feeling eager to reinvigorate a music library career, readers can turn to this book to gain practical and approachable guidance to succeed. In this substantially expanded edition of Careers in Music Librarianship III, experienced expert professionals have updated their pragmatic advice and insight from the previous edition to reflect the realities and challenges of today’s landscape. Since music library work takes place in both traditional and non-traditional settings, this edition incorporates advice on a wide range of topics not covered in earlier editions, including paraprofessional employment, liaison work, archives settings, and transitions from performance-based careers. Geared toward workers in music libraries, rather than simply to those who are, or aspire to be, librarians, this volume is intended to support people on an array of potential career paths. All who work in music libraries will find both inspiration and straightforward guidance in this indispensable book.