Maximize broadband, minimize costs:Libraries Connect Communities Blog Interview
Find out what Sherry Millington, Technical Services Coordinator & IT Manager, does to maximize Internet broadband and minimize costs at the Suwannee River Regional Library System in this Libraries Connect Communities ALA Blog interview.
Read the blog post here.
So, what do YOU think?
Be sure to leave a comment and tell other library staff what tips you’d recommend, what has or hasn’t worked for your library system, or simply share your thoughts and suggestions on the issues presented.
Chat, Text, Email Statistics – January 2012
The following statistics are now available for the month of January 2012: 
Ask a Librarian Mobile Chat
Do you hate coming to a website that doesn’t have a mobile friendly interface? We certainly do!
When you try to type on the small screen, does it become difficult to type because the keyboard hides the rest of the screen?
Well Guess What??? On February 15, we will be launching an enhanced mobile site that allows you to chat directly with a librarian!
You will be able to chat with a statewide librarian or scroll down and find your local library right from your mobile device! Once you select your library, it will allow you to chat, e-mail, or text.
- If you select chat, it will open in a new screen, and allow you to enter your name, email, and question. Once you select chat, the new mobile interface will open and you will be chatting live with a librarian!
- You also have the option to text message directly from the new interface. Once you select this option you can click on the phone number, and your phone will open to your texting screen. Don’t forget to enter your 3 letter code.
- If you decide to send an email, your new screen will easily allow you to enter your name, email, subject, and question and send that email!
Ask a Librarian Mobile Chat
Online Marketing Campaign
In late January, Ask a Librarian began a marketing campaign online through Google ads. LURE Designs & Th!ink Creative Inc. have developed a media plan to run in two test markets for 30 days: Orlando & Jacksonville.
The media plan focuses on two main goals: creating awareness of the Ask A Librarian program and increasing usage of the Ask A Librarian service. Th!nk Creative selected media that would reach a broad audience at a cost effective price.
After reviewing the results from the test markets, we will share the complete report with participating libraries. With the keywords used in the ads, we hope to gain insight as to what users are looking for in Google, and how we can market the Ask a Librarian program to these new users.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Riggins at rigginsj@tblc.org
Texting Enhancement
When responding to text messages in the Agent Console, you no longer have to use an exclamation point (!) in front of your response.
Just another exciting enhancement to make your job easier!
Library Day at the Legislature – February 1, 2012
Are you keeping up with information on Library Day at the Legislature?
For more information, please check out this page on the Florida Library Association website:
http://www.flalib.org/library_day_2012.php
Calling all evening-shift library staff!
How to Deal with Angry Customers
(Yes, it’s an evening workshop!)
Thurs., Feb. 16, 2012 ~ 7:30-8:15 pm ET
Ask a Librarian Annual Report 2010-2011
Another exciting year has passed with Ask a Librarian. In October 2010, we launched the text messaging service. In 2011, we added threaded history to texts, began the statewide Spanish email service, and refreshed the logo and design. It has been an exciting year and we look forward to the new enhancements coming in 2012.