Memo Cordova recruited Shelly Drumm from BCR to do a presentation at last week’s SWILA Conference at the College of Idaho on the topic of cell phones.  I am not a technophobe, but I must admit I am a wee bit hestiant to explore all of my phone’s bells and whistles (of which there are way too many for me to possibly need…or so I thought!). 

Shelly gave a great presentation on the depth of knowledge you can gain through your cell phone, particularly through Google SMS.  For example, if you text Google (466453), then type weather 83706, the weather for Boise will be displayed on your screen.  Here are some other examples used in Shelly’s presentation:

• Define segue
• Flight ua571
• Translate shark in spanish
• vegetarian restaurants, Salt Lake City UT
• Directions Boise to Caldwell

I had no idea that I held that much power in my mobile.  Imagine the possibilites for reference!?  Shelly gave an example of how libraries in Ohio are taking adantage of the widespread use of cell phones.  The Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) has recently launched OPLIN MOBILE through which users can to search for libraries by name, or you can browse by location using an interactive map.