The Illinois State Library recently implemented a new service called “Text a Librarian,” where people can ask brief questions and get a fast response from a knowledgeable librarian.

Pat McGuckin, Illinois State Library communications manager, said users can type “ASKISL” followed by a space and the question. McGuckin said the service was intended for “simple, quick reference questions,” and all questions must be limited to 160 characters.

“The questions are sent to our reference library, which is only available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” McGuckin said.

All questions will be answered by qualified librarians.

“We have trained librarians,” McGuckin said. “They’re trained to know exactly where to look. They look through books and reference guides.”

McGuckin said those using the system should expect to receive an answer relatively quickly, but major questions might take a couple of hours. Many questions received are related to the state government, McGuckin said.

Katherine Keyes, assistant director at the Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., said the Sycamore Public Library does not have the “Text a Librarian” service at the moment, but it is something they would look into providing.

“I think it can be handy for someone who is so accustomed to texting,” Keyes said.

Veronica Zamudio, senior sociology and psychology major, said the “Text a Librarian” service is not something she would find especially useful.

“I’m sure it’s useful, but not to me,” Zamudio said. “I don’t really go over to the library.”

Leanne VandeCreek, NIU Founder’s Memorial Library librarian, said it does not have the “Text a Librarian” service as of now because of the cost of the service, but the library will possiblylook into providing it in the future.