 In 2006 we setout to develop a generic piece of software that allowed anyone to communicate with their library using text messaging/SMS.  We wanted to allow users to send back replies either to request more information or send instructions. This back and forth interaction is key for us because it allows us to do things over the phone that were previously limited to the web browser.

Library Goals 1. Affordable in any economic climate 2. Unlimited messages w/ no per message cost Patron Goals 1. No smart phones required 2. No typing long or complicated messages 3. Support multiple languages

 Instead of using an SMS server we use an server to receive and send messages to cell phones. As far as the patron is concerned we look and act like SMS.  No SMS server equals drastically lower costs and unlimited messaging.  We host the solution – no software installation involved.

 Libraries use us to broadcast notices to patrons such as pre-overdue, overdue, late fees, holds and renewals.  Patrons use us to renew some or all of their items with the library, to request a list of items on hold or overdue, to request 2 nd and 3 rd reminders of late fees.  Today our service is used in English and Spanish.

 Signup today must be done over the cell phone. In the future we will allow signups over the web.  Allow patrons to register multiple library cards under a single phone.  Allow patrons to send queries to their reference librarian.

LP: SIGNUP SB: Please send us the barcode located on your library card LP: SB: Please send us your address to complete the registration. If you would rather not share your address reply with NONE LP: SB: Thank for registering with the library.

SB: You have 4 items on hold that have become available at the Menlo Park Branch. Pick up your items by 3/20/09. To see a list of your hold items please reply with HL LP: HL SB: 1.) The DaVinci Code 2.) The Lion King DVD 3.) U2 Joshua Tree 4.) Pursuit of Happiness.

SB: You have 4 items due for renewal. If you would like to renew all your items reply with the word ALL. If you want to see a list reply with the word LIST. LP: LIST SB: 1.) The DaVinci Code 2.) The Lion King DVD 3.) U2 Joshua Tree 4.) Pursuit of Happiness. Please reply by number LP: SB: The following items were successfully renewed [1] [3] SB: The following items could not be renewed: [4] Please check with your library for the reason why. For example, items on hold can’t be renewed.

ISBN Amazon rates this book 4 stars and your library rates it 5 stars. This book is available at your local branch. (Would you like to place this item on hold?)

Wouldn’t it be nice if the student had a list of recommended books for his book report. Wouldn’t it be even better if that list came from the library That list was available over his phone by text message.

What does the library have to do to use Shoutbomb?  For libraries who run Innovative you will have to generate the files that tell us who has items overdue, late, on hold etc… Just ask and we can help you with this process. How do I contact Shoutbomb 

We have 3 demo’s that you can try out. Keep in mind they are demo’s so that means we will not validate what you send us – the demo exists solely for you to get a sense for how the software works. If your not familiar with text messaging or need other demo assistance please send an to  To try the signup demo send a text message to with the key word demo1 (no space between the 1 and the word demo) – all key words must be a single  Hold notices which is demo2 is out of date and not functional at this time.  To try the renewal demo send a text message to with the key word demo3 (no space between the 3 and the word demo) – all key words must be a single  To try the Happy Hour demo send a text message to with the key word demo4 (no space between the 4 and the word demo) – all key words must be a single