[Libs-Or] text a librarian, 24/7

[Caleb Tucker-Raymond]

Hello everybody,

Maybe you've heard already but I am happy to officially announce that
in October, L-net launched a new text messaging service.

In addition to live chat and e-mail, Oregonians can now reach a
reference librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from almost any
mobile phone.

Patrons can text the word 'answers' to 66746, followed by their
question, and Oregon librarians will respond. After hours, our
partners in Ohio take over the delivery of fast and authoritative
answers.

So far, patrons seem to understand what text messaging is great for -
they are asking for quick facts and about how to use the library:

  what elevation is roseburg oregon?

  hi! Random question, how many hitchhiker's guide books were written?

  when does the library close today?

  what is the number for the hillsboro library?

L-net, Oregon's statewide reference service, is offering the service
in collaboration with Mosio, who created the Text-A-Librarian software
(http://textalibrarian.com).

The keyword 'answers' sends a question to L-net, but there is no
reason your library can't get a keyword also. Mosio is offering
additional keywords at a discounted price, and a few libraries are
already taking advantage.

For more information, visit www.oregonlibraries.net/sms.

Caleb Tucker-Raymond

Statewide Reference Service Coordinator
Multnomah County Library
(503) 988-5438
calebt at multcolib.org
www.oregonlibraries.net