A new library service named My Info Quest (www.myinfoquest.info) claims to be the first collaborative text messaging reference service of its kind. The Alliance Library System (www.alliancelibrarysystem.com) in East Peoria, Ill., has partnered with about 50 participating libraries; Altarama Information Systems (www.altarama.com); and WebClarity Software, Inc. (www.webclarity.info), developers of PeopleWhere (www.peoplewhere.com), to build this new reference service. The pilot program launched on July 20 and will extend until Dec. 31. Other partners include San Jose State University Graduate School of Library and Information Science, South Central Regional Library Council in New York, and TAP Information Services.
The patrons of approximately 50 libraries from all over the U.S. are now able to text a question from their mobile phones to 309-222-7740 and a "real, live librarian" will respond within minutes. The service is free of charge, but standard text messaging rates apply. Staffed by librarians from around the country, answers are sent to cell phones by librarians in 320 characters or less, or the equivalent of two 160-character text messages. The hours of service are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Source: Information Today
See Also: On a related note: ChaCha also allows users to text questions (you can also call) to a central database for free. No word on how many of the "topic guides" are professionally trained information professionals. ChaCha is available 24 hours a day.
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