Are you doing enough for mobile patrons?

<p>Smartphones are rarely beyond an arm's reach these days and frequently in-hand. Though living in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Radio_Quiet_Zone" target="_blank">US National Radio Quiet Zone</a> has made me the exception, even I carry a smartphone away from home. There's an app for everything and a browser available when an app isn't. So patrons all but expect the library to be available at the touch of a finger. How do you provide virtual reference services for patrons on the go? Are you doing enough?<br /><br />There are 3 key areas for mobile - texting, apps, and browsers. Provide service in all three areas and you'll maximize your virtual reference coverage.<br /><br /><h3>Text messaging</h3><div><br /></div>Can patrons text their reference questions to your library? Text messaging is a huge part of mobile and also a big contributor to the well-toned thumb muscles of our youth today. Texting can, in a few finger strokes, do for patrons what it may take several clicks (read: tens of seconds) to do on a website. Integrate texting with your reference desk's voice number to maximize your availability in a patron's contact list.<br /><br />LibraryH3lp's SMS add-on will make you look like a text messaging superstar. Incoming text messages appear just like any other chat and can be transferred between librarians. Voice calls are forwarded to your reference desk and after-hours texts are automatically delivered when you are next online. And as an extra bonus, it <a href="http://libraryh3lp.blogspot.com/2014/01/google-voice-sms-libraryh3lp.html" target="_blank">integrates nicely with Google Voice SMS</a>.<br /><br /><h3>Include real-time chat in your library app</h3><div><br /></div>Like texting, chat inside apps provide a handy way to exchange messages in just a few touch strokes. Maybe your library has a custom app created with a platform like Boopsie for Libraries? LibraryH3lp is Boopsie-compatible and our mobile-optimized chat widgets can be inserted anywhere you can place HTML. Speaking of mobile widgets... Let's talk browsers.<br /><br /><h3>Chat & self services for mobile browsers</h3><div><br /></div><div>Rounding out the trifecta of mobile virtual reference coverage is the browser. So you've gone through all the trouble to create a super schnazzy responsive library website. Drawing "ohhs" and "ahhs" from all who visit. Let's add an extra layer of icing, shall we? A sexy, mobile-optimized chat widget and searchable knowledge base will be sure to turn a few heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>An embedded widget (inserted into the content of a web page) is dandy for patrons using a desktop or laptop. But a smartphone? Not so much. Even sharp eyes have trouble seeing something that small. Not to mention that accessibility and usability is an ever-present concern. Add a customized pop-up or follow-me chat widget to your website and LibraryH3lp will auto-magically transform it into a <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/mobile-widget" target="_blank">mobile-optimized, real estate maximizing version</a> for iOS and Android users. </div><div><br /></div>But don't stop with chat. Complement your interactive services with self services like a knowledge base/FAQ. With FAQs, help is always available even after hours. Each LibraryH3lp subscription includes unlimited individual FAQs and questions and comes preloaded with a built-in mobile-specific interface for smart phones. (<a href="http://ask.libraryh3lp.com/m/" target="_blank">See it in action with our FAQ.</a>)<br /><br />So let patrons choose their favorite mobile tool. With LibraryH3lp, you'll be ready and waiting whether it be texting, apps, or browser. Contact us at support@libraryh3lp.com if you need any help configuring your mobile services or are interested in a no risk trial of our SMS add-on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>

Smartphones are rarely beyond an arm's reach these days and frequently in-hand. Though living in the US National Radio Quiet Zone has made me the exception, even I carry a smartphone away from home. There's an app for everything and a browser availab…