Use of text messaging is skyrocketing, and our nation’s libraries
are starting to explore new ways to tap into this increasingly popular
communication platform to connect with their patrons.
Dr. Lili Luo, an assistant professor with the San Jose School of
Library and Information Science, will conduct the first in-depth research
regarding how libraries can meet their patron’s information-seeking needs
via text messaging. Thanks to a $122,683 grant award from the Institute
of Museum and Library Services, Luo will conduct a two-year study of how
libraries can use text messaging as a platform for providing virtual reference
services, as well as how they can collaboratively deliver services and expand
their ability to meet patron needs during challenging economic times.
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Engaging a New Generation of Library
Users: Exploring a Multi-Library Collaborative Model to Deliver Text Reference
Service will investigate how text reference service is
different from other types of virtual reference services (such as email and
instant messaging) and how it can fulfill users’ information needs.
Luo will also study whether text reference provides an opportunity for
libraries to engage new users, including our nation’s teens — the
fastest growing group of individuals using text messaging.
Luo will study the rich pool of data available via InfoQuest, the nation’s first large-scale
collaboration by numerous libraries to provide text reference services.
Launched in July 2009 by Alliance Library System, today more than 60 libraries from multiple
states participate in InfoQuest. They include a wide array of library
types, including urban, suburban, and rural libraries, small and large
libraries, and public, academic, school, and law libraries.
The project’s goal is to learn from InfoQuest’s innovative
national model, gleaning new knowledge regarding how to implement, manage, and
assess a collaborative text reference service model, as well as factors
libraries should consider when deciding whether or not to participate in a text
reference collaboration. Results will establish a solid
understanding of the text reference user community and provide a roadmap for
libraries interested in adopting texting to meet patrons’ information
needs.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of
federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, announced the
award on June 15, 2010. View their announcement here: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/061510.shtm
To learn more about InfoQuest, visit http://www.myinfoquest.info/.
To learn more about SLIS, visit http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/.
For information regarding this announcement, please contact Lisa Valdez
at [log in to unmask].
Marcia Laughrey
Receptionist
School of Library and Information Science
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0029
Ph: 408-924-2490
Fax: 408-924-2476