KU News Release

KU Libraries staff helps patrons via text messages

LAWRENCE — With more students citing text messages as their preferred mode of communication, librarians at the University of Kansas are now offering services in that same manner.

Students, faculty and staff can now ask librarians for help by sending a text message with their query. Messages can be sent to 265010 and must start with either “kulibr1:” or “kulibr2:” followed by a question.

KU librarians aren’t all thumbs when it comes to typing a response. A computer program translates the text message into a chat program, allowing librarians to key a response through a PC. The response is sent back to the user’s cell phone as a text.

In addition to texting, KU Libraries offers the “Ask A Librarian” service through e-mail and instant messaging, by phone and in person.

Erin Ellis, coordinator of instructional services, said the libraries decided to add texting to the suite of services after increased use of their instant messaging services, which was introduced in 2003.

“Texting, particularly with the student population, is very popular and extremely easy to do,” Ellis said. “Our hope is that they’ll use this method to do anything from getting research assistance to requesting help while they’re in the stacks. We just want to provide yet another way for the KU community to contact us.”

The texting service comes at no charge through KU Libraries, although regular phone service providers’ charges may apply.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.