[Web4lib] Informational Meeting for Libraries Interested in InfoQuest(IQ): Collaborative Text Message Mobile Reference

[Lori Bell]

Informational Meeting for Libraries Interested in InfoQuest(IQ):  Collaborative Text Message Mobile Reference
  
Alliance Library System and Altarama will cohost an informational meeting for libraries interested in the possibility of joining InfoQuest(IQ), a six-month collaborative text message reference service.  The online meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25 from 10:00 am central – 12 noon.  Participants will need to log into an online site and call into a teleconference number:  Meeting information is below.  If you would like to attend, please contact Lori Bell at ALS at lbell at alliancelibrarysystem.com.  The meeting will include an introduction to the Altarama software, an overview of the project, and timeline and expectations of participants.
 
Participating libraries will agree to staff the collaborative service for two hours a week; attend online training sessions and planning meetings; and provide feedback about the service.  There are no charges to participate during the first six months of the project.  ALS and partners are seeking funding to host the service for a full year.  If funding is not secured at six months, participants may choose to drop the service or share the costs of the software with other members which is not expected to be more than $100-200 per library depending on how many libraries participate.  Even if libraries wish to have their own account and serve only their patrons, this project is an opportunity for libraries to try the service.  Librarians will not be using a cell phone to provide service; they will log into a project website or project email address to receive and provide answers to questions.
 
The deadline for participation is April 15, 2009.  Partnership agreement forms will be made available at the meeting and through email for anyone unable to attend.  Online training sessions will be held April 15 – June 1 at a variety of times for participants.  During June, participants can practice, copy promotional materials provided for the project and begin to promote the service.  The service will kick off on July 1 and run through the end of December for the first six months of activity.
Meeting info:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/664360207
For voice:  VOIP Option:            PC microphone and speakers  - a headset is recommended.  
Phone Option:           Dial 712-338-7136
· Access Code: 664-360-207 
For more information, please contact Lori Bell at lbell at alliancelibrarysystem.com

 

Lori Bell
Director of Innovation
Alliance Library System
600 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
(309)694-9200 ext. 2128
lbell at alliancelibrarysystem.com