Binghamton University students will soon be able to text the BU library for quick facts and information.
The Glenn G. Bartle Library is trying to be more accessible to students and by the end of this month, students will be able to use the library’s text messaging service as an information resource for any quick-fact information they may need, according to Alesia McManus, head of research and instructional services. The text message will be sent to a computer in the library, where a librarian will be able to look up the answer and send a response almost immediately to the student’s cell phone.
This service is similar to the instant messaging and Meebo services offered by the library. Students can send questions during usual reference hours to the screen name BUmainlib through instant messengers such as AIM, Yahoo or MSN.
The library’s Meebo account works the same way as instant messenger, but there is no need to log in to use this service; it can be accessed directly from the library’s Web site. This service started in February 2007 and the library gets a few questions every day, according to Erin Rushton, science reference librarian. The science library and University Downtown Center library are equipped with Meebo.
What is unique about the academic library is that it connects the common idea of a library — the books — with online databases, said Susan Currie, associate director of University libraries.
The library staff is working on making BU students feel comfortable with this combination of resources through the User-Interface Steering Committee. This committee is developing surveys they hope students will take part in. These surveys would give students the ability to make suggestions for what the library could offer through their Web site and a way to voice any problems they have with the library and its Web site.
Another way the library is working to accommodate students is through a drop-in service for help on finding reliable sources for papers. On April 1 and 2, library research specialists will be available in the Bartle Instruction Lab, near the Gourmet Bean coffee kiosk in Library North, to answer any questions about where to look for sources. There will be at least one person available at any time between 3 and 8 p.m.
The staff of Bartle Library is willing to help students in any way possible and encourages students to visit their Web site, library.lib.binghamton.edu, for reference help.
“We want people to come use the library, we are here to help,” said Currie.