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
t: (01691) 404681
(direct) 404388 (library desk)
f: (01691)
404071
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