Most recent edit on 2005-11-23 14:37:50 by JenniFem
Additions:
Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries
Deletions:
Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries
Edited on 2005-11-23 14:37:05 by JenniFem
Additions:
Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries
Deletions:
Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries
Edited on 2005-11-17 17:54:46 by BarnettB
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7. With new, fancy, multi-networked IM clients like Trillian∞, Gaim∞ and Meebo∞, you can monitor multiple accounts from different networks (AIM, MSN, Y!M, GTalk, etc.) and with Meebo you don’t have to download anything, since it is web-based
Deletions:
7. With new, fancy, multi-networked IM clients like Trillian∞, Gaim∞ and Meebo∞, you can monitor multiple accounts from different networks (AIM, MSN, Y!M, GTalk, etc.) and with Meebo you don’t have to download anything, as it is web-based
Edited on 2005-11-17 15:11:20 by EmilyJane
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10. Other libraries∞ are successfully doing it and are singing its praises!
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10. Other libraries∞ are successfully doing it and are singing its praises!
Edited on 2005-11-17 14:25:32 by JenniFem
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--Jennifer May, 11/17/2005 12:15 p.m.
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--Jennifer May, 2005.11.17 12:15 p.m.
Edited on 2005-11-17 14:04:31 by JenniFem
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- PEW/Internet Study: Teens and Technology∞
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- PEW/Internet Study: Teens and Technology∞
Edited on 2005-11-17 13:50:59 by JenniFem
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As a member of MCL’s Virtual Reference Committee∞ and a staffer of L-net∞ (Oregon’s Statewide Virtual Reference service) I really wasn't all that enthusiastic about the idea of IM in libraries. Currently we use web-based chat software as part of L-net, and I like it because of all the educational opportunities it presents, such as co-browsing. IM chat, on the other hand, seemed more appropriate for “fun” than “reference” to me - but I will be the first to admit I was wrong. And my newly revised opinion is that IM can be extremely beneficial to libraries, both externally helping patrons, and internally working with our coworkers. Let me explain…
The fact is, our job is to help our patrons find what they are looking for. Whether that is helping them put a book on hold, answering a reference question, or letting them know when the next story time is being held. We already do these things in person, over the phone, via email and web-based chat (L-net). And I think what turned the tide for me is the fact that millions of library patrons across the country are already using IM every day! So offering them this additional way to get in touch with us, is just one more way we can make the library a valuable and important part of their lives. And it’s easy...really easy.
Deletions:
As a member of MCL’s Virtual Reference Committee∞ and a staffer of L-net∞ (Oregon’s Statewide Virtual Reference service) I really haven’t been all that enthusiastic about the idea of IM in libraries. Currently we use web-based chat software as part of L-net, and I like it because of all the educational opportunities it presents, such as co-browsing. IM chat, on the other hand, seemed more appropriate for “fun” than “reference” to me…but I will be the first to admit I was wrong. And my new opinion is that IM can be extremely beneficial to libraries, both externally helping patrons, and internally working with our coworkers. Let me explain…
The fact is, our job is to help our patrons find what they are looking for. Whether that is helping them put a book on hold, answering a reference question, or letting them know when the next story time is being held. We already do these things in person, over the phone, via email and web-based chat (L-net). I think what turned the tide for me is the fact that millions of library patrons across the country are already using IM every day! So offering them this additional way to get in touch with us, is just one more way we can make the library a valuable and important part of their lives. And it’s easy...really easy.
Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2005-11-17 12:17:48 by JenniFem []
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Internet Librarian 2005 Wiki∞
Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries
As a member of MCL’s
Virtual Reference Committee∞ and a staffer of
L-net∞ (Oregon’s Statewide Virtual Reference service) I really haven’t been all that enthusiastic about the idea of IM in libraries. Currently we use web-based chat software as part of L-net, and I like it because of all the educational opportunities it presents, such as co-browsing. IM chat, on the other hand, seemed more appropriate for “fun” than “reference” to me…but I will be the first to admit I was wrong. And my new opinion is that IM can be extremely beneficial to libraries, both externally helping patrons, and internally working with our coworkers. Let me explain…
What is Instant Messaging (IM)?
From Wikipedia…“Instant messaging is the act of instantly communicating between two or more people over a network such as the Internet.”
Of course if you know someone under the age of 21, you know exactly what IM is. An
America Online-commissioned poll∞ found that 66% of teens and young adults (ages 13-21) say they send
more IMs than emails! This AOL survey also found that about 80 million people in the U.S. regularly use IM (that’s about 27%), and 7 billion messages are sent each day! What might surprise you is that more and more people are using IM at work, about 11 million according to the PEW/Internet study on
∞ - and they like it!
So, enough with the numbers, the point is that IM is here and more and more it is becoming a part of everyday life, much like email or even the telephone. The question now is,
why should we consider using IM in our library? Here are some answers to that question:
1. Instant Messaging is one more way to reach patrons who are not willing or able to come into the library (or who are here, but don’t want to talk to actual human beings)
2. Many of our patrons already use IM every day – no training needed!
3. For some, not being available via IM is like not having a telephone number (seriously, ask your favorite teenager)
4. IM is user-centered and builds relationships with library users
5. IM is free (minus staff time)
6. All you need is a computer, an IM program, and a bit of training
7. With new, fancy, multi-networked IM clients like
Trillian∞,
Gaim∞ and
Meebo∞, you can monitor multiple accounts from different networks (AIM, MSN, Y!M, GTalk, etc.) and with Meebo you don’t have to download anything, as it is web-based
8. Staff can communicate in-house using IM
9. It would be cool to have the library on people’s
∞
10. Other
libraries∞ are successfully doing it and are singing its praises!
The fact is, our job is to help our patrons find what they are looking for. Whether that is helping them put a book on hold, answering a reference question, or letting them know when the next story time is being held. We already do these things in person, over the phone, via email and web-based chat (L-net). I think what turned the tide for me is the fact that millions of library patrons across the country are already using IM every day! So offering them this additional way to get in touch with us, is just one more way we can make the library a valuable and important part of their lives. And it’s easy...really easy.
Now I also know that IM’s not perfect, nothing is, but the idea merits some thought. So please, let us know what you think…
- Do you IM?
- How do you feel about IM in libraries in general?
- How about IM at this library?
- What about setting up separate accounts for Readers Advisory, homework or Circ questions?
- When would we be “open” for IM?
- How would we track stats?
- How could we use it in-house to improve our internal communication?
- Privacy concerns?
- Other things?
Make an account∞ and comment below.
Or, if you want to chat, add me to your buddy list and IM me! I am available on AIM and Y!M at MCLJennifer. Chat with you soon!
Further reading:
- PEW/Internet Study:
How Americans Use IM∞
- PEW/Internet Study:
Teens and Technology∞
-
AOL Second Annual Instant Messaging Trends Survey∞
--Jennifer May, 2005.11.17 12:15 p.m.
Internet Librarian 2005 Wiki∞