A post on Text messaging (from my blog)
3 views
Skip to first unread message
MillerLibrarian
Apr 27, 2009, 5:15:13 PM4/27/09
to mobilelibraries
I have recently gone through training with two providers: Altarama and
Mosio. Although I will not promote one or the other, I will share some
of my thoughts.
Text messaging seems like the next logical extension of library
services. Many provide chat and email service already and the surge
of text messaging makes it extremely relevant to keeping our services
current. There are libraries providing this service to patrons
already and others who are beginning to explore it. What I really
like about this, is that you don’t have to reply to patrons using a
mobile device - you can text them right from your computer - either
through a chosen platform or a microboard.
This is extremely relevant for me, as I work from my computer.
Ironically, before I began exploring and using this service, I had set
up this option right from my gmail - with my husband. I do not
generally turn my Blackberry on unless I’m working away from home, but
his phone is on all day. To bridge the gap, I set up a connection - I
text him from my Google chat and he texts me back through his phone.
My point, it is a great thing to experiment with text messaging. I
actually registered with Mosio, to get a feel for the process and
answer questions that people text in to the service. I really enjoy
it and find it very easy to use. So, now, the relevance to
libraries: it seems natural to provide this as an additional way to
connect our patrons with information. It IS true that we have to meet
our users where they are - especially today.
I see one potential barrier to the service: the availability provided
by libraries: when do we offer the service? Funding/budget shortfalls
have led to many decreased hours of operation and cuts in library
staff. Despite this unfortunate and unfair occurrence, we can and
should resist: how about being on call, during off hours? Many of us
do not turn our computers or phones off when the library closes or we
are “off duty” - nor do our patrons. I see this as a limited service
right now - if we shut it off at say 5pm, are we not missing a
significant part of our patronage? So, can we give back? I would be
willing to voluntarily answer texts for a period of time on a certain
day or days - would you? As with all services, availability,
especially in the launching phase, is an important part of ongoing
service.
What do you think?
Mosio. Although I will not promote one or the other, I will share some
of my thoughts.
Text messaging seems like the next logical extension of library
services. Many provide chat and email service already and the surge
of text messaging makes it extremely relevant to keeping our services
current. There are libraries providing this service to patrons
already and others who are beginning to explore it. What I really
like about this, is that you don’t have to reply to patrons using a
mobile device - you can text them right from your computer - either
through a chosen platform or a microboard.
This is extremely relevant for me, as I work from my computer.
Ironically, before I began exploring and using this service, I had set
up this option right from my gmail - with my husband. I do not
generally turn my Blackberry on unless I’m working away from home, but
his phone is on all day. To bridge the gap, I set up a connection - I
text him from my Google chat and he texts me back through his phone.
My point, it is a great thing to experiment with text messaging. I
actually registered with Mosio, to get a feel for the process and
answer questions that people text in to the service. I really enjoy
it and find it very easy to use. So, now, the relevance to
libraries: it seems natural to provide this as an additional way to
connect our patrons with information. It IS true that we have to meet
our users where they are - especially today.
I see one potential barrier to the service: the availability provided
by libraries: when do we offer the service? Funding/budget shortfalls
have led to many decreased hours of operation and cuts in library
staff. Despite this unfortunate and unfair occurrence, we can and
should resist: how about being on call, during off hours? Many of us
do not turn our computers or phones off when the library closes or we
are “off duty” - nor do our patrons. I see this as a limited service
right now - if we shut it off at say 5pm, are we not missing a
significant part of our patronage? So, can we give back? I would be
willing to voluntarily answer texts for a period of time on a certain
day or days - would you? As with all services, availability,
especially in the launching phase, is an important part of ongoing
service.
What do you think?
Tom Peters
Apr 27, 2009, 5:47:13 PM4/27/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
I agree: This type of service has great potential, but it has to be 24/7 (or close to it) to be something users will use.
Thanks!
Tom
Tom Peters, CEO
TAP Information Services
6106 South Stillhouse Road
Oak Grove, MO 64075
phone: 816.616.6746
email: tpe...@tapinformation.com
web: www.tapinformation.com
Skype: tapeters4466
email: tpe...@tapinformation.com
web: www.tapinformation.com
Skype: tapeters4466
OPAL: www.opal-online.org
From: MillerLibrarian <mill...@gmail.com>
To: mobilelibraries <mobilel...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 4:15:13 PM
Subject: A post on Text messaging (from my blog)
Lori Bell
Apr 27, 2009, 7:19:07 PM4/27/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
For those of you interested, Alliance Library System and about 25 other libraries to date
are getting ready to kick off a collaborative mulittype text messaging reference project
called Infoquest using Altarama software. We have a group for anyone interested in Infoquest and some documents
which talk about the timeline, expectations, etc. These documents are attached. We have an advisory meeting on
Friday May 1 at 10 am central which anyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to join the gorup,
Friday May 1 at 10 am central which anyone is welcome to attend. If you would like to join the gorup,
please go here:
We are still taking libraries if you want to participate. Lori
--
Lori Bell
Director of Innovation
Alliance Library System
600 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
(309)694-9200 ext. 2128
skype: lbell927
lb...@alliancelibrarysystem.com
lbel...@gmail.com
"Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries"
http://books.infotoday.com/books/VirtualWorlds.shtml
nancyatcac
Apr 27, 2009, 7:24:37 PM4/27/09
to mobilelibraries
I'm with a small, rural community college that has limited staff and
funding. Thankfully, our students are thrilled at any service we're
willing to provide them so we can casually offer services. For
example, we have the meebo chat widget on our website, but the
students know the librarians are only available when we're able to be
at our desks.
We started a text service this past February using a Sidekick device
from T-Mobile. I'm willing to be "on call" and will answer text
messages whenever I can. The students know that if they send me a
text message at 2am, they probably won't get a response until I'm
coherent around 8am, but they seem fine with this. I've answered a
few text messages that have come in on a Friday at 9pm and the
students are completely amazed that they've gotten a response at that
time. Right now the service is popular, but I'm non inundated with
messages during my "off" time so this hasn't been a problem with me.
If we get to the point where I am inundated, then we'll look at
solutions. At this point, though, I love being able to offer the
service. The students love it!
Nancy
funding. Thankfully, our students are thrilled at any service we're
willing to provide them so we can casually offer services. For
example, we have the meebo chat widget on our website, but the
students know the librarians are only available when we're able to be
at our desks.
We started a text service this past February using a Sidekick device
from T-Mobile. I'm willing to be "on call" and will answer text
messages whenever I can. The students know that if they send me a
text message at 2am, they probably won't get a response until I'm
coherent around 8am, but they seem fine with this. I've answered a
few text messages that have come in on a Friday at 9pm and the
students are completely amazed that they've gotten a response at that
time. Right now the service is popular, but I'm non inundated with
messages during my "off" time so this hasn't been a problem with me.
If we get to the point where I am inundated, then we'll look at
solutions. At this point, though, I love being able to offer the
service. The students love it!
Nancy
Lori Bell
Apr 27, 2009, 7:25:43 PM4/27/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
This sounds great Nancy! With Infoquest, we are asking that each library donate 2 hours per week, so
if you get overwhelmed, I hope you will consider joining us. Lori
MillerLibrarian
Apr 27, 2009, 7:27:15 PM4/27/09
to mobilelibraries
This is exactly what I am talking about - Rock on! A great example of
giving back...:-)
giving back...:-)
Kenley Neufeld
Apr 27, 2009, 7:30:13 PM4/27/09
to mobilelibraries
We've been doing SMS service for about 18 months with just one phone
and one person. It has worked reasonably well and most inquiries get a
response immediately (except in the middle of the night). If we grow
(or market the service further) then other options may need to be
generated.
- Kenley
and one person. It has worked reasonably well and most inquiries get a
response immediately (except in the middle of the night). If we grow
(or market the service further) then other options may need to be
generated.
- Kenley
Angela Boyd
Apr 27, 2009, 7:37:50 PM4/27/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
How did you like google chat? Do you think it's better than Mosio or Altarama?
Alison Miller
Apr 27, 2009, 7:42:19 PM4/27/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
The problem with Google chat with some services (trying to stay neutral!) is that you can't text to a short code. So, I love it for texting to my hubby and others, but I haven't used it as a service.
Alison
Alison
Wilfred Drew
Apr 28, 2009, 8:19:35 AM4/28/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
What about urging OCLC to create a mobile version of QuestionPoint extended to SMS?
-----------------------------------------
Wilfred (Bill) Drew, M.S., B.S., A.S.
Assistant Professor
Librarian, Systems and Tech Services
Strengths: Ideation, Input, Learner, Command, Analytical
E-mail: dr...@tc3.edu
Follow the library: http://twitter.com/TC3Library
PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail or document.
Lori Bell
Apr 30, 2009, 9:00:30 PM4/30/09
to mobilelibraries
Bill, do you know someone at OCLC you could ask about that? It seems
like
a wonderful idea and the very right time to do so.
On Apr 28, 7:19 am, Wilfred Drew <Dr...@tc3.edu> wrote:
> What about urging OCLC to create a mobile version of QuestionPoint extended to SMS?
>
> -----------------------------------------
> Wilfred (Bill) Drew, M.S., B.S., A.S.
> Assistant Professor
> Librarian, Systems and Tech Services
> Strengths: Ideation, Input, Learner, Command, Analytical
> E-mail: dr...@tc3.edu<mailto:dr...@tc3.edu>
> web: www.tapinformation.com<http://www.tapinformation.com/>
> Skype: tapeters4466
>
> OPAL: www.opal-online.org<http://www.opal-online.org/>
> Unabridged: www.unabridged.info<http://www.unabridged.info/>
like
a wonderful idea and the very right time to do so.
On Apr 28, 7:19 am, Wilfred Drew <Dr...@tc3.edu> wrote:
> What about urging OCLC to create a mobile version of QuestionPoint extended to SMS?
>
> -----------------------------------------
> Wilfred (Bill) Drew, M.S., B.S., A.S.
> Assistant Professor
> Librarian, Systems and Tech Services
> Strengths: Ideation, Input, Learner, Command, Analytical
> Follow the library:http://twitter.com/TC3Library
> PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail or document.
>
> From: mobilel...@googlegroups.com [mailto:mobilel...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Peters
> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 5:47 PM
> To: mobilel...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: A post on Text messaging (from my blog)
>
> I agree: This type of service has great potential, but it has to be 24/7 (or close to it) to be something users will use.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tom
>
> Tom Peters, CEO
> TAP Information Services
> 6106 South Stillhouse Road
> Oak Grove, MO 64075
>
> phone: 816.616.6746
> email: tpet...@tapinformation.com<mailto:tpet...@tapinformation.com>
> PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail or document.
>
> From: mobilel...@googlegroups.com [mailto:mobilel...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Peters
> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 5:47 PM
> To: mobilel...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: A post on Text messaging (from my blog)
>
> I agree: This type of service has great potential, but it has to be 24/7 (or close to it) to be something users will use.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tom
>
> Tom Peters, CEO
> TAP Information Services
> 6106 South Stillhouse Road
> Oak Grove, MO 64075
>
> phone: 816.616.6746
> web: www.tapinformation.com<http://www.tapinformation.com/>
> Skype: tapeters4466
>
> OPAL: www.opal-online.org<http://www.opal-online.org/>
> Unabridged: www.unabridged.info<http://www.unabridged.info/>
> Maxito Ricardo in Second Life
>
> TAP Info helps organizations innovate.
>
> ________________________________
> From: MillerLibrarian <miller...@gmail.com>
>
> TAP Info helps organizations innovate.
>
> ________________________________
Alison Miller
Apr 30, 2009, 9:02:09 PM4/30/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
Especially considering the intro of WorldCat mobile, no?
There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come ~ Victor Hugo
There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come ~ Victor Hugo
Tina Hager
Apr 30, 2009, 9:22:50 PM4/30/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
Lori
Can you please send out the phone meeting information for tomorrow (Friday) again? My computer has been acting up. Thanks,
Tina
This e-mail and any files or documents attached to it is intended only for the
use of the person or entity to which it is addressed. It contains information
that may be privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under
applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are
hereby notified that the copying, distribution or other use of this e-mail is
strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail by mistake, please notify
the
sender immediately by e-mail and destroy all forms of this e-mail.
Can you please send out the phone meeting information for tomorrow (Friday) again? My computer has been acting up. Thanks,
Tina
use of the person or entity to which it is addressed. It contains information
that may be privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under
applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are
hereby notified that the copying, distribution or other use of this e-mail is
strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail by mistake, please notify
the
sender immediately by e-mail and destroy all forms of this e-mail.
Lori Bell
Apr 30, 2009, 9:28:53 PM4/30/09
to mobilel...@googlegroups.com
The online Infoquest meeting will be held on line using OPAL software on Friday May 1 at 10 am central.
Here is the url to go to the OPAL online auditorium and download the software
If this is your first time using OPAL, you can go here for tips
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages