Text Reference Proposal *updated*

Submitted by Julie on 19 March 2010 - 2:36pm
in

As discussed at the Liaison meeting earlier this month, AskUsNow! would like to work with Text a Librarian (TAL) to provide text message reference to it's customers. TAL can now also integrate with QuestionPoint, giving librarians only one interface in which to do all their e-reference (chat, email, and text).

I wrote up a summary of pricing models, discount possibilities, and features for both TAL and QP integration (pdf *updated April 7th, 2010 with final AskUsNow! discount*). Please take a moment to read it. It's 10 pages but the pricing breakdown and package options is right up front on page 3. The rest of the pages are mostly screen shots of how it all works.

TAL is offering a 15% discount to all AskUsNow! Partner Libraries until April 2011.

Also check out the Text a Librarian Info packet.

Things NOT included in the document

We held two info sessions to answer questions and gauge interest. Here's some of the information i didn't have at the time:

  • There is a txt speak to english translator button in TAL that automatically translates text speak to english.
  • Librarians can continue to funnel their tech problems through Julie and Cathay or directly to TAL/QP.
  • There is no limit to the number of auto responders you can set. You can set them for days of the week. Setting them for calendar days is on the dev list.
  • if you've integrated with QuestionPoint you can still recieve the text, im, email, etc alerts to new questions that you've set up in TAL.

If you have more questions about TAL, check out their FAQ and be sure to read their Terms of Service (TOS).

Next Steps

  • Three info sessions were held so that your questions could be answered and interest could be guaged. Thank you for participating!
     
  • Julie is on the agenda to speak with MAPLA on June 17th about this opportunity.

Other Info

During one of our info sessions, someone asked if TAL had a polling option. TAL does not, Mosio, their parent company, does.