This document discusses mobile trends related to libraries, including the rise of SMS messaging and mobile internet access. It notes that over 60 libraries now offer SMS reference services with specified hours, and poses the idea that SMS reference could help engage non-traditional library users and encourage them to visit the library in person. Examples mentioned include the growth of teen mobile phone use and the Mosio text a librarian service.

1. Mobile trends
Alison Miller
@millerlibrarian
milleru65@gmail.com

2. http://www.wordle.net/

3. • SMS – short message service; typically
160 character messages
Libraries offering SMS Reference Service
• Pew April 2009 survey - 62% of all
Americans had some experience with
mobile access to digital data and tools
• Pew Internet –
Mobile access to data and information

4. • mobile phone use has climbed steadily among
teens ages 12 to 17 – to 63% in fall of 2006 to 71%
in early 2008.
Teens and Mobile Phones Over the Past Five Years
• Moving from
Managing User Behavior to Encouraging User Behavior
• Wireless Quick Facts – year end figure, December,
2008
Monthly SMS Messages 110.4B
Annualized Yearly SMS Messages 1T

5. 309-222-7740

6. • over 60 libraries working together to
answer SMS text questions
• service hours (CST) Monday to Friday,
8am to 10pm, Saturday, 9am to 5pm,
and Sunday hours coming soon

7. What if we can engage a non-traditional
library user by making SMS text
reference our bridge to actually coming
into the library?
A great example of this concept…Mosio,
Text a Librarian

8. http://www.wordle.net/