Sometimes you want to go where every librarian knows your name.

But in this increasingly technology driven world, even libraries are going wireless, and some local book lenders are concerned it could mean less connection with patrons.

Library Elf, introduced last year to the SAILS Library Network, is a program that allows patrons to set up email, RSS and text message alerts when library books are due or reserved materials are available to pick up.

“If someone has library cards in multiple systems, they can get reports on all of those cards,” said Gail Roberts, director of Rochester’s Plumb Library.

Roberts said Library Elf is particularly helpful for college students and for families whose members all have a card.

“I use it myself,” she said. “The people who have signed on to it say it’s a great service. It’s so handy.”

Susan Pizzolato and Judith Kleven, directors of Mattapoisett Free Public Library and Elizabeth Taber Library, respectively, also use the free service.

“Everyone is busy and this way you don’t have to worry about missing a message on your machine at home or being bothered by messages on your cell phone,” said Pizzolato.

But Kleven said there are some drawbacks.

“Any of our advances now are one step forward and another step sideways,” she said.

“The thing about any of these automatic notifications is that you do lose some patron contact,” Kleven said. “We really like contracting people by phone, but it’s onerous.”

Kleven said phone calls often lead to engaging conversations on recent reads and recommendations on what to read next.

However, the new notifications save libraries significant amounts of time and money.

Kleven said each library will have to work out a balance.

With a new notification system in the works this year to supersede Library Elf, electronic notifications are not going away anytime soon.

Though patrons can always opt out, Klevens said.

“Smaller libraries like that personal contact,” said Klevens. “We’re not going to let that go.”