IM HR RU

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IM HR! RU?

• Instant Messaging Basics

Sarah Sogigian Metrowest MA Regional Library
System Sarah_at_mmrls.org AIM Sarahatmmrls
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What is it?

• Technology that allows a computer user to send
  typed messages that can be read immediately by
  another user. IM occurs in real time that is,
  while both users are online and can conduct a
  back-and-forth conversation.
• -Word Book Advanced accessed 7/7/08

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What does it look like?
Chat window
Buddy List
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What software do we use?

• AIM -AOL Instant Messenger
• Yahoo! Instant Messenger
• MSN Messenger
• Meebo-internet based chat
• You dont need a screen name to use.
• Gtalk-Googles chat program, embedded in gmail
• You use your gmail account to im other people you
  know.

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How do I get it?

• Choose a IM program
• Set up a free account, with a username
• Sign in to use the account

Most IM programs can be accessed from any
computer with an internet connection. You can
have an account on your home computer, and access
it from your work computer.
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What to be aware of

• Filters
• Pop Up blockers
• Library polices that dont allow IM.
• Spelling and grammar errors

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Why use IM in a library?

• Reference questions
• Program announcements
• Online meetings

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Aaron Schmidts 10 points on IM in libraries

• 1. Instant Messaging is free (minus staff time)
• 2. Millions of our patrons use IM every day.
• 3. For some, not being available via IM is like
  not having a telephone number.
• 4. There are three major IM networks (AIM, Y!M,
  MSN)
• 5. Y!M and MSN will be interoperable at some
  point.
• 6. Trillian is a multi-network IM client, meebo
  is a web-based multi-network client. Use them.
• 7. Having practice sessions in-house is a good
  way to get staff excited about IM in libraries.
• 8. Staff can communicate in-house using IM.
• 9. Libraries can choose to have one IM point of
  contact, or they can choose to divide it
  departmentally.
• 10. IM is user-centered and builds relationships
  with library users.

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Other things to remember

• Icons
• Pick something relative to what you are doing
• Picture of the building, a book cover, the
  library cat.

• Away messages
• If the librarian steps away from the computer,
  change the status.
• The library is closed, but please leave a
  message.
• I am assisting another patron. Please leave a
  message.

• IM shorthand
• Try to type short sentences and hit enter. Try
  not to type long paragraphs all at once.

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Examples of libraries and IM
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Examples of libraries and IM
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Meebo
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Mass Answers 24/7
Patrons can chat with a reference
librarian online. Librarians from all over the
country participate. Locally, Concord, Goodnow
(Sudbury), Newton and Watertown are participants
in Mass Answers.
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Framingham PL
What Emily Center, Teen Librarian, says Teen and
reference use IM. Someone at ref is always on,
and Emily is on when she is at her desk. Not
much traffic on reference. They just started
using it in May.
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Emoticons
http//www.muller-godschalk.com/msn.html
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Acronyms

• http//www.muller-godschalk.com/msn.html

TTYL IDK BFF ? YW
LOL ROTFL NBD IMHO
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Resources and More Info

• Libraries Using IM Reference

• Aaron Schmidts blog

• Bibliotechweb

• Washburn University