Solving Reference Desk Problems

Three speakers this morning happily told those of us in the audience that we can solve our reference desk problems by providing our reference staff with iPhones and allow patrons to SMS questions to us. I know, I know - that opens up an entirely NEW set of reference problems for many of us who don't routinely text message. However, the theory of getting to the patrons where they are, and anticipating patron expectations play a role in their talk and their embracing SMS. Other ideas included inter-filing reference books with the "regular" collection and having all librarians roam the floors armed with tablet pc's and phones. It was a thought-provoking presentation and I certainly came away with lots of food for thought. This afternoon I'm back into the podcasting/screencasting mode for patron training. Oh, my poor brain!!