Have a question for a librarian but don’t have time to stop at the library? The answer could be just a cell phone text message away.
Carol Stream Public Library officials are the latest to embrace a technology which allows them to receive text messages from patrons on their computers. A librarian monitors the e-mail and provides responses via e-mail, which are then automatically delivered to the patron’s cell phone.
Pam Leffler, head of adult services, said so far questions have been pretty basic, such as whether the library has a certain book or video game.
“Another time someone wanted a whole bunch of books from one particular author,” she said. “By and large, they’re relatively straightforward questions, but it’s another way we can make ourselves available to people.”
The program, which began Oct. 1, has been very popular with junior high and high school students, Leffler said.
Librarians usually respond to the questions within minutes.
A library card is not needed to use the service.
Julie Blackwell, assistant library director, said a lot of people still think only of a building when they think of the library.
“Today’s library is more than just bricks and mortar,” Blackwell said. “We’re reaching out into the community and meeting the residents where they are: online. We need to be responsive to new technologies and figure out how we can use them to meet the needs of the community.”
The Carol Stream Public Library also has a Facebook page and posts photographs on the online photo management Web site flickr.
For more information about the texting service, look for the mobile phone icon on the Carol Stream Public Library Web site, www.cslibrary.org, or call the Adult Services Department at (630) 344-6123.
