Introduction

The information and communication technology (ICT) revolution has deepened and broadened the concept of m-libraries to encompass the use of m-technologies to deliver or facilitate access to information. M-technologies are broadening and democratizing the horizons of education to higher levels for the benefit of all. Such technologies have been with us for quite a time, but current use and development has precipitated a technological shift as libraries are making adaptations to widen and enhance service delivery. There is no technology that has spread so fast around the globe as mobile technology (Boateng and Essandoh, 2014). M-technologies provide an alternative way to communicate and the opportunity to access, create and exchange information. While yesterday's computing power suffered physical fixation, today's ubiquitous computing is embedded to enhance connectivity and accessibility. Ubiquitous computing represents a third wave in the evolution of ICT, as evidenced by the proliferation of embedded technologies and embedded librarianship.

Background literature review

Pervasive technologies weave their way into every aspect of our daily life, to the extent that they become invisible. Such technologies are impacting heavily on access to information and communication through integrating virtual and physical spaces. Libraries need to rethink how they feature in the advent of pervasive technologies. Mupa, Kurasha and Chiome (2013) acknowledge that the growth of mobile technologies will ultimately broaden opportunity for business, social and educational transactions. The authors further highlight the advantages of such technologies in the provision of sound, text and image links to facilitate dialogue and exchange of information and how such features can be used to leverage teaching and learning.

The unparalleled increase and progression of m-technologies, as evidenced by the abundance of innovative applications to address communication, education, research and development, has precipitated new methods of learning, information access and exchange. The World Bank Report (World Bank, 2008) highlights that m-technologies have the potential to democratize access to information for ordinary people by ushering in a new model of distribution of information based on egalitarianism.

Research in m-technologies

Research on mobile phones has covered a number of issues, ranging from subscription, costs, acceptance and service quality to the impact of mobile phones on the supply chain (Boateng and Essandoh, 2014). Furthermore, the authors note that mobile phones influence micro trading activities, through enhancing access to information, removal of intermediaries and deepening transaction relationships and enhancing decision-making.