2010-03-29

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library now offers a beta mobile Web site at http://m.library.illinois.edu .  The site provides access to a core set of basic library services customized for successful use on mobile devices, including the ability to search the Library’s catalog, find Library locations and hours, access additional databases with mobile interfaces, and text librarians.

The University Library established a working group that was charged with planning, developing, and maintaining an information access environment for Library users who have mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry phones.  If the beta mobile site is well-received by the public, it can serve as the platform for delivering a growing array of mobile services in the future.

The mobile Web site includes access to the Text a Librarian service, also a new pilot initiative of the Library.  University Library users may text a librarian with questions through the mobile site or SMS text 217-686-4361 from any mobile phone that supports text messaging.  Standard charges apply, based on the user’s mobile phone plan with the account provider, for both messages sent and received.  The Text a Librarian service uses Google Voice and is available during the same hours as other Ask a Librarian services ( www.library.illinois.edu/services/hours.php ).

Library users without a mobile device on hand can view the mobile site at http://m.library.illinois.edu on a desktop or laptop computer.  Alternatively, the Library’s non-mobile Web site is located at www.library.illinois.edu .

Do you have a story you’d like added to the Library News & Events? If so, please contact Heather Murphy ( hmurphy@illinois.edu ).