Instant messaging is the 2.0 tool I am most familiar with. I used to use AIM (AOL's product) in the corporate world around 2000 or so. It was useful since we were all in scattered cubicles and it could be a way to get a quick response on something.
I am also familiar with the use of Meebo and Trillian for virtual reference. I think it's great that you can now post a question from a web site without having to download and use any specific software. The casual user can just go to a library's web site and post a question. I think it would be useful for OCC to start using this (IMHO). My experience at the Arlington Heights and Evanston libraries was that there was typically not heavy traffic - up to 5% or so of the time you are on the desk. It would never be as sophisticated as a face to face encounter (FTF), but it is a way to connect and get a conversation started with some people. If you want to pose a question at Evanston's site, here's the link for Meebo - just find the 'Ask a question' box, type a question where it says 'Type here', and press enter: EPL research page.
HAND. TTFN & KIT
OMG - I like totally redid this post in IM speak ;-) Translations at: Acronym Dictionary
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2 comments:
i agree that occ should start offering im reference. hopefully, after the library2.oakton program, our staff will be ready and willing :)
i'm curious, what kinds of questions have you received while doing im reference?
Richard, the IM questions I have seen in reference are a mixed bag. Quite often it's kids playing around - that gets to be annoying. Sometimes the questions are legitimate. Sometimes people don't have the patience to wait for a good response, so you lose them. I'm guessing there would be better usage by patrons in an academic setting; the patrons are more mature and already know about IM, so would use it only when they have legitimate questions. Some issues at OCC - would this be set up to be answered only at RHC or DP? (You wouldn't need both libraries monitoring it.) Also, there needs to be a way to notify the librarian that he/she has just gotten an IM message (pop up on the terminal, or some kind of sound). It was somewhat of an issue at EPL figuring out the right way to configure the notification.
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