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Hi everyone,
 
Further to my email to this list last week seeking information and ideas
about using text messaging (via NHS.net) to engage with our users, I had
several replies asking me to send a summary of responses to the list.
 
Many thanks to everyone that got back to me. Some people are using the
Text Messaging already to engage with users. Suggested uses were:

*	Confirming training sessions
*	final overdue reminders (where email/other methods of
communication have failed)
*	Notifying users when books or journal articles are ready for
collection
*	Contacting 'hard to pin down' students

One Trust would like to use text messaging to promote new books and
publications to users. 
 
Other comments;

*	"At least one phone network is returning our text messages
undelivered as it's an automated service so this could turn out to put
the stoppers on us using the nhs.net facility.  I haven't seen the
customer yet to ask what network she is on but we have sent to o2 and
Virgin no problem"
*	"very effective I get a speedy response most of the time and I
have had positive feedback from users"
*	"really convenient for users to receive messages in this way"
*	"People respond quicker"

South Staffs and Shropshire FT are currently running a short survey to
find out if our users would like to receive text messages when their
books are due in two days time. This service will be offered in addition
to sending reminders via email.
 
One thing that wasn't mentioned but that I think is important is that we
(as in libraries) are seen to be engaging with recent technology where
we can - and at least this is one way that we can without a battle with
our IT departments! 
 
Finally, I meant to ask in my previous email how other libraries that
send text messages manage the process of gathering and storing mobile
phone numbers? Do they just assume that, when a mobile telephone has
been given on a library registration form, the user consents to be
contacted via text message? Or does everyone get explicit approval from
users before sending them texts?
 
Many thanks,
 
Scott Rosenberg
Electronic Resources Librarian
Francis Costello Library
Institute of Orthopaedics
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY10 7AG
e: [log in to unmask] 
t: (01691) 404681 (direct) 404388 (library desk)
f: (01691) 404071
w: www.rjah.nhs.uk <http://www.rjah.nhs.uk/>  
blog: http://franciscostellolibrary.blogspot.com/ 

<http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FrancisCostelloLibrary/~6/1> 
 
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