“In 2009, one-third of all Americans accessed the web through a cell phone or smartphone”, according to Meredith Farkas’ article in the June/July 2010 issue of American Libraries.  With mobile devices becoming such an important means of communication, libraries need to think about how to market services to mobile users.  One way to do this is to create a mobile version of your library’s website that will enable smartphone users to view the site.  Some libraries have even created mobile applications for searching the library catalog and databases, placing holds, and contacting the library.   In today’s society, everyone wants to have information at their fingertips, and there are so many ways for libraries to tap into the world of mobile users.  Farkas asserts that “by mobilizing our library resources and services, we make ourselves accessible to patrons wherever they are, from a device that fits in their pocket.”

“Who in your community collects information on scholarships offered by local clubs, service organizations, and other mostly nonprofits?”  Barb Chase poses this question in her article Giving Out Money at the Library: Help Students Find Scholarships in the November/December 2010 issue of American Libraries.

Providing information about local scholarship offers is a very easy way to help students in your community.  While working at the reference desk, spend a few moments searching local newspapers and  newsletters between reference questions.  Don’t bother gathering information on scholarships offered by high schools and national scholarships, as these are easily found by students.

Once you have a few scholarships, you can simply clip and paste the information into a notebook for patron reference.  Or better yet, list the scholarship information on your library’s website.