San Francisco, CA, July 13, 2010 – Mosio, the leader in text messaging (SMS) solutions for libraries, today announced a mobile reference pilot program with 9 public and academic library systems in Washington State. The pilot is made possible by the Washington State Library, making use of funds from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

“We’re already providing live chat reference through Ask-WA, our statewide reference cooperative (available at ask.wa.gov), and adding reference services via text messaging seemed like the natural next step,” said Ahniwa Ferrari, Online Resources Consultant, Washington State Library. “Our decision to go with Mosio’s solution enables our libraries to use a service that makes it easy for them to get up and running quickly so we can test patron interest in communicating with our libraries on their mobile phones.”

Text messaging (SMS) is the most widely used form of mobile communication in the world. Americans are now texting more than twice as much as they are talking on their cell phones.
The pilot program will run in a select number of member libraries who will promote and use the service to communicate with their patrons.

“Accessibility will always be essential in keeping libraries relevant in their communities” said Noel Chandler, Mosio CEO and Cofounder. “We’re excited to have more libraries in Washington using our next generation mobile messaging technology to strengthen patron relationships and library communications.”

Now servicing over 500 libraries in the U.S., Mosio designs mobile solutions to improve communications, engagement and relationships between libraries and their patrons. As a mobile carrier-approved technology, Text a Librarian enables libraries to utilize text messaging to interact with and be available to more patrons wherever they are.

About Mosio’s Text a Librarian
Text a Librarian is a mobile reference service technology developed specifically for libraries. Built on Mosio’s award-winning mobile questions and answers platform, Text a Librarian enables libraries to reach more patrons on the go through their mobile phones. For more information regarding Text a Librarian, please visit http://www.textalibrarian.com

About Washington State Library
The Washington State Library’s vision is to ensure that Washingtonians have access to the information they need today and to the history of Washington for tomorrow. To learn more about the Washington State Library and its programs and services, go to http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/. The State Library is a division of the Office of Secretary of State.