MyInfoQuest SMS Project @ Framingham State College309.222.7740

Texting Trend “Use of text messaging by teens has increased since 2006, both in overall likelihood of use and in frequency of use. In 2006, 51% of all teens, regardless of cell phone ownership, had ever sent a text message, while 58% had done so by 2008. Similarly, daily use of text messaging is also up, from 27% of teens using text messaging daily in 2006 to 38% texting daily in 2008.”¹

Developing Core Competencies to meet future needFrom Murphy and Moulaison’s “Social Networking Literacy Competencies for Librarians”²:“Able to connect with and provide synchronous & asynchronous services to patrons using these communication tools” – FSC is already providing email and IM reference“Skills for interacting over various mobile communication channels” – the MyInfoQuest project allows our librarians to develop these core competencies with minimal impact on manpower and budget while providing a valuable service

http://www.myinfoquest.info/: AboutInfoQuest is a collaborative reference service of over 60 libraries that enables users to send questions via SMS text messages on their mobile phones. Roughly 27 academic libraries are participating. MA – 2 public libraries and 1 academic library SMS reference software and systems provided by Altarama. Software serves a gateway system to redirect questions to a Gmail account.Calendaring system is provided by PeopleWhere. Also use of Google’s calendar.Illinois’ Alliance Library System manage project with Tap Information Systems

http://www.myinfoquest.info/: AboutEach library is assigned a code. Patrons then text a question with the local library’s code; librarians monitoring questions label response sent through Gmail w/ library code.Infoquest bases its services by U.S. Central Time. Coverage by our time M-F 9:00am-10:00pm. Sat 10:00am-6:00pmSan Jose State University School of Library and Information Science volunteered to evaluate projectProject funded till the end of the year

http://www.myinfoquest.info/: Pithy, speedy and correctNo legal, tax or medical advice.Not meant for questions longer than 320 characters or requiring in-depth researchGoal: response time less than 10 min. and questions answered within 2 SMS messagesResponses limited to 160 characters

http://www.myinfoquest.info/: Creative Use of ResourcesUse free resources like I-Google, Delicious, GoogleDocs, and GoogleCalendarTap into collective knowledgeWell developed organization: Policies and Procedures, Training, PR, Quality Control CommitteesMeetings on OPAL. Communication and organization online via email (GoogleGroups) and virtual meetings

http://www.myinfoquest.info/: LiveSoft launch in JulyMost libraries went live beginning of SeptemberMajority of questions asked are ready reference then local in naturePositive response on campusSome problems: Gmail went downOverall impressions: great project. Great effort from collective team. Get to collaborate on project with librarians from all over US

References1. Lenhart, Amanda (2009). “Teens and Mobile Phones Over the Past Five Years: Pew Internet Looks Back”2. Murphy, Joseph & Moulaison, Heather. (2009) “Social Networking Literacy Competencies for Librarians: Exploring Considerations and Engaging Participation”Questions? Millie Gonzalez, vgonzalez@framingham.edu