Open Access265010 JoynerRef: Text Message Reference Service @ ECU
Author(s) -
Mark Sanders
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
north carolina libraries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2379-4305
pISSN - 0029-2540
DOI - 10.3776/ncl.v67i1.274
Subject(s) - instant messaging , world wide web , suite , computer science , service (business) , formality , internet privacy , linguistics , philosophy , economy , archaeology , economics , history
Many libraries have embraced email and IM reference service, but have yet to offer reference via text message. But like e-mail and IM, text messaging represents just another method among a suite of online options to meet the reference needs of library patrons. In fact, if a library is already able to receive IMs via American Online’s Instant Messenger (AIM) then it already is able to offer text messaging as a free service. This article explains how a recent AIM modification, or “hack”, has given libraries and patrons access to a feature that was previously unavailable. AIM is by far the most popular IM client, with more than 55 million active users. A recent study at UNC – Chapel Hill’s House Undergraduate Library found that students prefer using AIM because its familiarity allows multitasking and lacks formality