On the next Tech Talk: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Adding True SMS Service to an ILS

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. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time, and Michael will have your answers.

Register for free @ http://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgID=13840

Tuesday Tech Tip: How to set up a “legacy contact” in Facebook

Facebook is a place to share and connect with friends and family. For many of us, it’s also a place to remember and honor those we’ve lost. When a person passes away, their account can become a memorial of their life, friendships and experiences.

Today we’re introducing a new feature that lets people choose a legacy contact—a family member or friend who can manage their account when they pass away. Once someone lets us know that a person has passed away, we will memorialize the account and the legacy contact will be able to:

  • Write a post to display at the top of the memorialized Timeline (for example, to announce a memorial service or share a special message)
  • Respond to new friend requests from family members and friends who were not yet connected on Facebook
  • Update the profile picture and cover photo

If someone chooses, they may give their legacy contact permission to download an archive of the photos, posts and profile information they shared on Facebook. Other settings will remain the same as before the account was memorialized. The legacy contact will not be able to log in as the person who passed away or see that person’s private messages.

Alternatively, people can let us know if they’d prefer to have their Facebook account permanently deleted after death.

Here’s how to choose a legacy contact:

  1. Open your settings. Choose Security and then Legacy Contact at the bottom of the page.
  2. After choosing your legacy contact, you’ll have the option to send a message to that person.
  3. You may give your legacy contact permission to download an archive of the posts, photos and profile info you’ve shared on Facebook.

Read the full instructions @ Facebook.