The Right Txt: Implementation of Text Messaging for Interlibrary Loan at Ohio University
1 like642 views
The document discusses the Ohio University Libraries' use of text messaging for interlibrary loan notifications. It provides background on why texting was adopted, how notifications are sent for requests, renewals, overdues and articles, and changes made to simplify messages for a mobile format. Feedback indicates patrons appreciate simplified, to-the-point messages and find texting a good way to receive updates. Minor issues include occasional non-delivery and links not working, but on balance texting is deemed worthwhile.
The Right Txt: Implementation of Text Messaging for Interlibrary Loan at Ohio University
- 1. { The Right Txt Derek Malone, MLIS, ILL & DE Ohio University Libraries
- 2. Ñ If you have any questions, or would like some help implementing text messaging, please don’t hesitate to contact me at maloned@ohio.edu, or 740-‐‑593-‐‑2691
- 3. Ñ We’re hosted (Atlas) – since July 2012 Ñ ILLiad 8.3.5 Ñ Serve students, faculty, staff, Friends Ñ Around 40,000 transactions annually Ñ A LOT OF EMAILS!!! Ñ Started texting Summer 2012 Background
- 4. Ñ 75% of teenagers text Ñ “I don’t check my email” Ñ Most common form of communication Ñ That’s over Ó Phone Ó Social Networking Ó Face-‐‑to-‐‑face Why?
- 5. hfp://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-‐‑ and-‐‑Tech.aspx PewResearch: Teens and Technology 2013 78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of them own smartphones
- 6. 137 / 20
- 7. Windows 3.1
- 8. Contact me?
- 9. Ñ Smartphone or not, we can send SMS messages. Why?
- 10. Duz any1 currently offer txt msgN notifications? hfp://transl8it.com/
- 12. Setup
- 14. Ñ User purge coming up – Summer 2013 Ñ We’d like to get as many through this process (get them via email) as we can Ñ Signups checked daily as part of workflow Ñ Slow at first Ñ Now 1-‐‑4 daily
- 19. ,
- 20. Text address first, followed by email
- 21. ,
- 22. #
- 23. # signifies texting patron
- 27. Ñ Only borrowing & document express Ñ Notifications – lefing users know content is available, or a request has been granted/denied Ñ Overdues, Delivery Notifications, Renewals (y/n/ date), etc. Ñ Only a minor changes in cancellations, things that need a deep explanation Ñ Simplified use of files (elecdel for all e-‐‑delivery) Ñ Not pursuing this in lending Ñ Work in progress What we’ve changed
- 28. Ñ Good starting point Ñ Notification sent to every loan that applies Ñ Again, we only notify via email and text Overdues
- 31. Ñ Your phone number is:
- 32. New Overdue 1 Notice
- 43. Ñ Important notes 1. We only email notifications 2. We deliver articles electronically 3. We have 1 pickup point for loans * Delivery
- 53. Ñ First bit of praise came concerning the email notification, and continues to do so. Ñ Patrons like the simplified, to-‐‑the-‐‑point message. Ñ Text has also been well received. Ñ Cleaning up for the purpose of text messaging helps us look befer in a mobile email environment What we heard/learned -‐‑ Notifications
- 54. Ñ Sent through borrowing Ñ We do not communication via text for loan Renewals & Recalls
- 55. Renewed
- 57. Old Renewal Denied Email
- 60. Recall
- 62. Doesn’t work every time
- 63. Cancellations
- 65. Ñ Cancellations notices require too much explanation (our opinion-‐‑explanation we want to give), so they’re still long Ñ Occasional dead links (Verizon) Ñ Delivery on article takes a couple extra steps, but we believe it’s worth it. Negatives
- 66. Ñ Know your customers view: Key Points
- 67. Let your web and physical location speak
- 68. Make 140 Count
- 69. thx so much 4 yor tym. R ther NE questions?