Using Text Messaging to Enhance Library Services

Diana Silveira, Novare Library Services

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Objectives

What is SMS? SMS Facts Reference Questions Push Circulation Notices Send Catalog Records Promote Library Programming & Services Future of SMS Promotion Questions/Discussion

The Basics

SMS - Short Message Service (i.e., text messaging)

160 character limit Shortcode Blast (one to many) Incoming/outgoing  Smart phone Clever phone Google Texting Lingo

Uploaded to Flickr on November 8, 2007 by Travelin' Librarian/ Uploaded to Flickr on November 29, 2006 by Michael Casey

What’s your library’s policy?

The Facts

72% of U.S. adult cellphone users send and receive text messages  (68.1 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device (Jan 2011))

The average U.S. mobile teen now sends or receives an average of 2,899 text-messages per month compared to 191 calls

Teen females, who send & receive an average of 4,050 texts per month.

Reference Questions

Ask a Librarian's SMS 

Twilio Google Voice

Create a simple ( & free) SMS Reference Service1. Set up a free Google Voice number.

2. Promote number.

3. Optional: use free GVMax service to send notifications via Instant Messaging, emails, Prowl & Howl notifications, Twitter, HttpPost, and SMS.

4. Optional: use Twitter and go800corp.com so users can text your twitter name to 46800 and be connected to your phone.

Circulation Notices

Existing software that can help a library send hold, overdue, and other circulation-based notifications to users. 

Some examples: Mosio Shoutbomb Twilio ILS Vendors with

functionality: Koha, Innovative, and Polaris.

Send Catalog Records

Other Ideas for SMS in your library

Blast Announcements!  SMS Programming Ideas

Trivia Night Polls Registration for Programs Feedback from users Contests

Promoting SMS QR (Quick Response)

Codes Email Website

Pros and Cons of SMSPros: Low Cost Easy to Implement Immediately available  Flexible Connects directly with users Statistics Platform ubiquitous 

Cons: Leaves out non-SMS users Standard texting rates may apply 

Future of SMS Payments

Geo-fencing marketing Voice (TTS, STT) App to Person

Messaging Person to App

Messaging Group Messaging

(Beluga, GroupMe) Directions/Maps SPAM/Malicious apps!

 

Image from http://www.tuvie.com/wp-content/uploads/window-phone4.jpg

Questions/Discussion

What are your plans for SMS?

Contact Information

novarelibrary.com

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