InfoQuest: using text messaging to answer reference questions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss text messaging services for libraries. Text messaging presents a new and exciting opportunity for libraries of all types to provide information to people of all ages on the go, where they are, on their cell phones.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on experiences in the USA, examples are presented of the service use, for example, Altarama, TextALibrarian, AIM.

Findings

Alliance library system (ALS), a regional library system in central Illinois, is spearheading an effort to provide the nation's first collaborative text message reference service – InfoQuest – inviting libraries of all types and across the country (and internationally) to work together to increase coverage, reference expertise, and to allow libraries to test the service and the software before venturing out on their own.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to librarians, as the InfoQuest project described in it is giving libraries the opportunity to learn how to use the technology, work together to see how their patrons respond to the service, and share promotion and coverage.

Citation

Pope, K., Peters, T. and Bell, L. (2009), "InfoQuest: using text messaging to answer reference questions", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 26 No. 8, pp. 12-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050911000571