The Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) has improved its quick answer text messaging service. AskSMPL provides a more personalized text messaging reference service. It is geared for people who are unable to ask a librarian questions in person or online, or for those who simply prefer texting over talking.
Library customers can initiate an information transaction by texting the term AskSmpl to the number 66746. Frequent users can save time by saving the number 66746 under the name AskSmpl.
All responses will be provided by reference librarians working at Santa Monica’s Main Library. This represents a change from a previous text messaging pilot project in which Santa Monicans’ questions were answered by librarians from participating libraries nationwide.
“Staff noticed that many of the questions received concerned local library policies and resources,” said Wright Rix, head of reference services, “We concluded that the quality of customer service could be enhanced by making this service more local.”
AskSmpl is available during library hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 .p.m. Text messages submitted after hours will be answered the following business day. While the library is offering this service free of charge, customers should remember that their own personal messaging and data rates will apply.
For further information, please visit the library web site at www.smpl.org, contact the telephone reference service at 310-434-2608 or email reference@smgov.net.
This release was from the City of Santa Monica
