News Report #4

“Libraries offer online help”
David Tidmarsh, Staff Reporter
10/26/09
http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/10/26/libraries-offer-online-help/

This article discusses how Yale University Library is doing everything they can to keep up with new technology. They have introduced tools such as Ask!live, profiles on Facebook and Twitter and by using cyber reference services. Many students admitted to only using these tools for social purposes, rather than for school things. So that is when they decided to use Ask!live to allow sutdents to text or instant message librarians. Librarians said this method was gaining followers and had increased by over half in the last year. Librarians and others realize that students are not coming to the library as much anymore, so they are trying to do what they can to reach them online. Over the past three months, they have received about 60 queries so far from the text messaging service. This was more than they had anticipated. Eleven students were interviewed and nine of them said they had never used the service, but that it could be a useful program. Many students were not aware that it was available but will now use it since they know about it. Many of these tools are useful, but they are focusing on advertising and using services online that are more popular such as Twitter and Facebook. They are spending hours working on gaining students through these sites.

I think it is a great idea that Yale and other universities are starting new things like what was mentioned in the article through online services. I know personally I hate having to go to the library or to meet with professors unless it’s absolutely needed. I would rather e-mail or work through online programs. I have always enjoyed online classes and keeping up with technology so this is something I really like. Other students are not as interested in technology and it is hard for them to catch on so they stick to traditional ways. I think if Yale and other universities advertise their services better and the tools they are getting that students will use them more and it will get the word out. I know I am signed up with the text message coupons that get sent through UNCW and I actually use them. Many students are unaware of this service so if we advertise it more students will use it. Also, many students are not aware of the instant messaging service available through the UNCW page where students can talk to librarians online and get their questions answered. This is a great service and I can’t wait to see what other tools become available using technology in the future.