NCompass Live - Feb. 25, 2015. http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ Many Libraries use SMS service to allow patrons to send call numbers from the Library’s integrated library system (ILS) to their mobile phones. The problem is that libraries use email to SMS gateways. Patrons are required to enter their carrier, which is cumbersome. Some carriers may not be listed. A better implementation would be to have patrons just enter their mobile number. This session will show librarians how to implement a true SMS gateway using Google Voice or any other SMS service that has an API. The integrated library system (ILS) that will be demonstrated is Aleph. Presenter: Juan Denzer, Library Systems Specialist, Binghamton University Libraries, Binghamton, NY. In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library.

1. Adding True SMS Service to an
Integrated Library System (ILS)
Juan Denzer
February 25 , 2015

2. Typical Call Number to Mobile Phone SMS Service
SMS Button

3. Email To SMS Service
Drawbacks:
• Users have to know their carrier service.
• All carriers are not listed.
• There is that extra step of choosing a carrier.
Advantages:
• Easy to implement
• Cost is next to nothing
• Proven to work

4. True Call Number to Mobile Phone SMS Service
Library
Catalog
Aleph
HTTP
REQUEST
1 Google Voice
SEND SMS
5
Windows
2008
Server
API CALL
2
3
4

5. Our Goals:
Add SMS Call Number Service
Easy to use system
Low cost solution
Have a unique solution that we can share with others
How Did We Implement?
Our Solution:
Google Voice Service – Soon to switch to Clickatell
Windows SMS Relay Server (libhelpdesk)
Imbedded CSS and HTML code within Aleph HTML page
Reference a javascipt file with functions to make the calls
Our Concerns and Issues:
Aleph Web Front-End
Dissecting the Aleph Puzzle
Finding a low cost SMS

6. Let’s See It In Action
Library OPAC (ALEPH)

7. Juan Denzer
Library Systems Specialist
jdenzer@Binghamton.edu
Binghamton University Libraries
PO Box 6012
Binghamton, NY 13902
607-777-3499