Start a Text Message Reference Service Poster

Beyond the Reference DeskStarting a text reference service at

your library

Kimberly Vardeman & Ian Barba1001 Great Ideas, TLA April 2012

HOW DOES THE REFERENCE MEDIUM SHAPE THE EXPERIENCE?

Convenience ComplexityAvailability PersonalNew Technology Traditional

How to Market Your Text Reference Service

• In printed materials at your library and campus• Place webpages and links on your library

website• Stories and/or ads in news media• Announcements in campus-wide emails and

listservs• Reminders in face-to-face or email reference• Reminders during special library events, e.g.,

student orientation and library tours

Provide instruction on how to use the service in your marketing materials.

Peak Times for Text Messages Received

Types of Questions Received

For more information, contact:

Kimberly VardemanReference LibrarianTexas Tech Universitykimberly.vardeman@ttu.edu 806-742-2238 x 297

Ian BarbaLTMS LibrarianTexas Tech Universityian.barba@ttu.edu