[Web4lib] Starting an IM Reference service
Jonathan Bloy
JBloy at edgewood.edu
Tue Oct 16 11:33:33 EDT 2007
A colleague and I would like to implement instant message reference service at our library. We've got a few questions and would like to get some wisdom from the list.
Staffing: This is our main concern. We're a small college library (2400 students, 6 full-time librarians, 2 part-time) and are wondering how similar libraries staff their IM service. Does the librarian on duty at the reference desk also handle the IM?
Hours: Is your IM reference available during all library hours? What about during times when there is just one librarian on duty (which covers weekends and evenings at our library)?
Technologies: We're currently playing around with a Meebo account. For libraries using Meebo, do you also have accounts on the major IM services (i.e. AIM, MSN, Yahoo, etc.) for student convenience?
Getting other staff on board: What's the best strategy for getting staff that might not be as technologically savvy on board and involved?
--
Jonathan Bloy
Web Services Librarian
Edgewood College
Madison, Wisconsin
http://library.edgewood.edu
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