Texts for Texts

The term 'mobile library? has taken on a whole new meaning at Edge Hill University.

Students now have no excuse for returning books after their due date ? as they?ll be sent a text message as a reminder!

This unique feature ? which marks a UK institution?s first link up with US firm Innovative Interfaces ? comes after Edge Hill?s Learning Services was awarded a Charter Mark for excellence in customer service.

Edge Hill?s Learning Innovation and Resource Centre manager Rachel Bury said: "Students have their minds on many things such as essay deadlines and exams so they often need reminding about when their library books need returning or renewing. The aim of this system is to give students a quick prompt in order to keep any overdue fines to a minimum so any money troubles they may have don?t get worse."

The highly efficient automated system also texts students when reserved books become available.

"It really is a mutually beneficial method ? the student study experience will be enhanced as they receive important information the second it becomes available, which will in turn allow the library to operate smoothly and effectively."

This new addition to Edge Hill?s Learning Services will complement an existing automated telephone service and the Library Catalogue that allows lenders to renew and reserve books 24 hours a day.