Abstract

This article presents a case study examining the deployment of mobile technology in the Central Library of Sundarban Hazi Desarat College (SHDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in a remote, rural area of the Sundarban, the college library faced significant challenges, including a high percentage of firstgeneration learners, limited digital literacy, poor infrastructure, and a severe lack of networking opportunities. To ensure continued resource access, the library utilized mobile technology, successfully facilitating remote access to digital collections such as e-books and online journals, and enhancing its online catalog for mobile compatibility. The critical finding is that the library’s success hinged on the strategic reliance on low-bandwidth mobile methods (calls, SMS, and Whatsapps) for communication and resource circulation, rather than sophisticated digital services. Analysis shows a high reliance on mobile devices for librarian activities (6 out of 7 tasks were 100% mobile-based). However, user feedback indicated major barriers: networking problems (71%), lack of skill (59%), and bad electricity service (48%). This study highlights how a library in a geographically disadvantaged area adapted to the pandemic and identifies opportunities for future growth, such as strengthening digital literacy and building a hybrid service model.

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