This study focuses on how and why academic librarypatrons choose text message reference, particularly when other mediums are available. Researchers evaluated three years of text reference data to assess the peak usage times, types of questions received, the number of unique and repeat users, and the complexity of questions. Our analysis of data shows that text reference can fill a role within virtual reference services. Wefurther identify reasons why text message services have not seen greater use, including students' lack of awareness, limitations of the medium, and patron satisfaction with other modes of reference.
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