SMSREFERENCE
SMSreference is an exciting new service designed specifically to allow libraries to expand their reference delivery methods to include SMS, the mobile/cell phone text messaging system so popular with the youth of today. Your clients can use this service to contact the library no matter where they are - for example they can use it to ask for assistance at a library computer carousel, without having to relinquish the computer, or leave all their belongings unattended whilst they visit a reference desk.
The service is simple to use, highly effective, and can be implemented by any library anywhere in the world where SMS (mobile/cell phone Short Message Service) services are available.
The "SMSreference" service provides a mobile/cell phone number, unique to your library that you can advertise as the number for texting your library. SMS's received by that number are automatically delivered to an email address that your library specifies. The librarian monitoring that email address creates responses in email using their usual "Reply" facility. Your responses are automatically delivered to the client's mobile phone by SMS.
An optional "Send by SMS" tool fully integrates with common email client's, to provide a shorter signoff, optional conversion to normal SMS phonetic shortcuts, and a character count to assist with minimization of character usage, for outgoing messages, and for replies it can provide a visual check.
Many other powerful features are provided to assist with implementation, usage, management and marketing of this service. Don't limit your imagination to reference. This service can also be used for any library correspondence by SMS, for example, contacting staff about meetings, or sending any sort of notices to clients. If you are contemplating SMS for contacting patrons about overdue items, be sure to consider "SMSreference" which adds the incoming SMS, and powerful management features, that will make the service a much more powerful tool for your library.
WHY CHOOSE SMSREFERENCE FROM ALTARAMA
SMSreference is a collection of telecommunications products - it cannot be purchased off the shelf from any telecommunications supplier. Altarama has created a solution that allows SMS questions to be handled as part of the everyday workflow of your library. No additional or new library procedures are required. With no new procedures to develop, and the cost of SMSreference being so small, there is no barrier to giving it a try!
Send an SMS announcing your service to a selected group of users and see how fast they spread the message to their friends, at no cost to your library!