Complementing its range of products that enhance the reference function of libraries, Altarama announces Reference by SMS, the first service designed specifically to allow libraries to seamlessly expand their reference delivery methods to include SMS ("simple message service"). More commonly knows as "text messaging," SMS has seen its popularity explode among students, business people, and nearly everyone else with a cell phone.
Reference by SMS is inexpensive, simple to use, and highly effective. It can be used by libraries anywhere that text messaging services are offered by the local cell carriers. It provides for SMS-based inbound and outbound library correspondence of any type: reference, circulation, among staff, etc. Libraries looking for ways to stay current with patron expectations will find the option to send overdue and other notices by text message an interesting alternative, and possibly save considerable costs compared to phone-based systems.
Reference by SMS provides a phone number specific to a library that can be advertised for sending text messages to the library, which are automatically converted and delivered to an email address that the library specifies. The librarians monitoring that email address create responses in their normal email using a plug-in tool designed to assist with short replies, and the responses are automatically converted from email to text message, and delivered to the patron's cell phone. No new operating procedures are required!
It couldn't be easier or more affordable to add SMS to your service - Altarama has done all the homework. Statistics are even available to evaluate the success of your new service.
The latest features of RefTracker V3 reference management system for improving the reach and effectiveness of the response services provided by your library will also be on show at our VRD stand. RefTracker already manages questions coming into your library from phone, desk, web forms, chat, post, and fax. Integration of requests coming in from SMS and many different email sources is underway. It truly is the keystone application for every reference department.
Contact Altarama at http://www.altarama.com.
