two changes to texting with L-net and text-a-librarian

Submitted by caleb (L-net staff) on Fri, 08/19/2011 - 1:39pm

There are two subtle changes to the Text-A-Librarian interface we use to answer text messaging questions on L-net.

1. "Close this question" link now available

We keep getting reminded of new text messages every 10 minutes until they get answered. This is great for making sure we respond to patrons in a timely way.

But what happens if a patron is simply texting back to say thank you? If you ignore the text it will come back again in 10 minutes.

Now you can use the 'close this question' link below the 'Send Answer' button to let the system know the question doesn't need a reply.

2. "1/2" and "2/2" show in your message when you send a long reply

A text message is 160 characters but the system lets you send 320 characters - two messages - in reply. When you do this, the labels "1/2" and "2/2" are added to your message.

Now these labels display in the blue boxes to the right-hand side of the answer form. These boxes show you what is being sent to the patron.

caleb's blog

Comments

"close this question" not available

Submitted by lls (Volunteers) on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 6:46pm.

Hi Caleb, I just had a text question and I didn't get the "close this question" button after any of the answers I sent. I also wasn't able to close the original pop up window that has the link to follow to answer the question.

Uh-oh! I have been able to

Submitted by caleb (L-net staff) on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 10:49am.

Uh-oh! I have been able to see the 'close this question' link just below the 'send my answer' button, but I did notice that it disappears after you send an answer.

So the 'close this question' link is only available - and only necessary - when you do not need to reply to a patron, such as when the patron is simply texting back to say thanks.