Inside Access: New text message options in ILLiad

by Shane Burris, Training Liaison & ILL Systems Maintenance Specialist, Interlibrary Loan

A new text message option is now available within ILLiad. This improved method for text messaging ILLiad notifications uses customizations within ILLiad to generate and the Twilio API to deliver the message.

Patrons can choose which of the following messages they wish to receive via text: Pickup notices, e-article delivery notices, and courtesy/overdue notices.screen capture of new text message option window in ILLiad

All messages, including those received by text, will continue to be sent via email as well. The new text notices are shortened, custom messages designed specifically for SMS. The full notice is sent via email.

For example, an SMS pickup notice will read:

“An ILLiad loan you requested is available for checkout at Pattee Commons Services Desk:

Title: Infinite space the architecture of John Lautner /
TN:2027318”

The email sent for the same item will contain additional information such as the author’s name, due date, renewal info, link to library hours, etc.
screen capture describing new text message service for ILLiad notifications
Current ILLiad users can opt-in by updating their profile in ILLiad. New users will see the option on the ILLiad registration form the first time they log into ILLiad. To promote the new service a notice appears on the main menu of ILLiad alerting users of the new service and how to register.