IM

I have to say that I rarely use IM. I only use IM during my spouse's infrequent business trips. All we need is a laptop at one end and the regular computer at the home end. It helps keep the long distance charges down.

At the library, I notice mostly teens IMing each other, while sitting next to each other. Since they are sitting next to each other, I find this a waste of time, as other people may need to use the computer for homework or other. I do realize that these students are valid users, but as I am more interested in person-to-person contact rather than computer-to-computer chat. I would also rather see them working on homework or even playing games online, or finding a quiet space somewhere to chat in person. That said, I do realize that when I IM with my spouse, we talk a lot more than we do at home. Some of it is nonsense, some personal, some gossip. Maybe the teens feel more secure in IM than chatting aloud, or maybe they are chatting to a group. It is still private, so I do not ask. Overall, IM still may bring them to the library. Hope against all hopes, maybe they will do more than use the computer and maybe check out a book, DVD or CD.

For help in the library, I do like David Lee King's idea to use of IM for invalid searches on their catalog. I think it would be easier asking for help by having them call from home or come up to the desk if the patron was in the library than via online. If this becomes popular, I also am unsure how the library would keep up with demand. Someone would have to be available by a computer off desk, so that the person waiting on the other end does not see "online" and wait and wait and wait. I am interested in the feedback on how that is working for his library.