[OPLINLIST] KnowItNow24x7 and Mosio Offer Local Text Reference Service

[Donald Boozer]

In partnership with Mosio Text-a-Librarian; KnowItNow24x7 is providing Ohio's libraries the chance to offer their patrons a local text messaging service for only $199.00 per year.

Libraries who actively contribute at least 3 hours per week to staffing the KnowItNow24x7 live chat service are eligible for an annual Mosio Text-a-Librarian subscription fee of only $199.00. Libraries get their own keyword and a short code to allow patrons to send text messages to them directly.

A keyword is an identifier for your library and a short code is a 5-digit "telephone number." For example, "Text library to 12345." In this case, library is the keyword; 12345 is the short code. Once the keyword and short code are stored in a patron's mobile phone's Contacts, it's a simple operation for them to text their local library.

In addition to the keyword and short code, libraries also receive an administrative login to Mosio's Text-a-Librarian interface to set-up automatic replies, get reports, etc.

Incoming text messages would come through the SparkRef software client just as in the statewide text reference initiative. Information on this operation can be found in the "KnowItNow24x7 SMS Reference Manual" and screencast available below.

**Interested?**

If you are interested in providing a local text reference service for your library, please provide the following information to support at knowitnow.org:

    * Library Name:
    * Desired Keyword:

    * Main Contact for Text a Librarian
    * Name:
    * Title:
    * Email:
    * Phone:

    * Billing Contact
    * Name:
    * Title:
    * Address:
    * Email:
    * Phone:
    * Preferred Payment Method: Check or Credit Card

KnowItNow24x7 will refer the information to Mosio who will contact the library directly for billing purposes. KnowItNow24x7 will set-up the necessary SparkRef accounts and any training necessary for staff to monitor the statewide and local SMS services. Do not provide credit card information in initial email; Mosio will contact libraries directly for that information.

**New KnowItNow24x7-Participating Libraries Welcomed**

If your library is not a current KnowItNow24x7 contributor, you are highly encouraged to consider becoming a member of the collaborative service and taking advantage of this offer as well. KnowItNow24x7 training can be provided at no cost.

**SMS Reference Informational Materials**

The new KnowItNow24x7 SMS Reference Manual is being made available in multiple formats (PDF, HTML, EPUB) and is available for download at http://provider.knowitnow.org/content/documentation.

The manual also includes a short 8-step summary of the SMS reference workflow, a list of best practices, and a bibliography of additional online resources about SMS reference.

In conjunction with the manual, librarians can also view a screencast of how the new service will work at http://provider.knowitnow.org/KINdocs/video/TextRefDemo/.

**Questions?**

If you have any questions about this offer or how to get involved with KnowItNow24x7, feel free to email support at knowitnow.org.

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Donald Boozer
KnowItNow24x7 Coordinator
Cleveland Public Library, Automation Department
325 Superior Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-623-2960
dboozer at cpl.org
http://www.knowitnow.org