One of the arguments for using Instant Messaging as a reference tool is that the technology allows the librarian to go to where the users are. However, the tool can also be used to get the patrons to come to you. On Wednesday night I had a business student IM me. Wednesday is my usual... Continue Reading →
Repeat IM Customer
I had another IM reference interaction tonight. The really cool thing about this particular interaction is that it was someone who had IMed me about a month ago. While business is a little slow, it's nice to know that I am at least getting repeat customers. I first put my IM profiles on my contact... Continue Reading →
IM Usage Statistics
After delivering library instruction to several first-year business classes, I gave the students a short survey to fill out. Most of the questions were aimed to provide feedback about the instruction session. The last question was about instant messaging usage. I asked: If you use instant messaging (IM), which service do you use? If you... Continue Reading →
Inspirational IM Success Stories
Sarah at Librarian in Black and Michael at Tame The Web have both posted some updates on their libraries' Instant Messaging reference programs. Both services seem to be returning excellent numbers and are excellent examples of reaching out to the patrons. Both libraries are supporting the big three clients (AIM, Yahoo! IM, and MSN Messenger),... Continue Reading →
Listserv activity dwindling, but overload continues
There is an interesting thread going on over at Web4Lib. Bernine Sloan initiated the conversation by stating that the message volume for the list has decreased. The numbers: > YEAR TOTALS > 2004 2919 > 2003 3324 > 2002 3892 > 2001 4591 > 2000 4645 > 1999 4521 > 1998 4566 > 1997 6521... Continue Reading →
RSS: Real Sports Syndication?
Way to go ESPN! This is just another example of RSS working its way into the mainstream. ESPN.com now has RSS feeds. ESPN is calling their feeds "News Feeds" in order to demystify some of the tech jargon. The link above takes you to a page with the list of available feeds, as well as... Continue Reading →
So What Is RSS Anyway?
Several folks have been posting today about simplifying the RSS jargon. I agree that simplifying the names for the technology might make things a little easier. I am teaching a class on RSS for a second time, and this discussion of nomenclature reminds me that I need to check all of my handouts and workshop... Continue Reading →
How to Use FeedDemon
Nick Bradbury, the author of FeedDemon, writes a helpful post of How I Use FeedDemon. I find it particularly helpful to see how the creator of a particular software is taking advantage of all the features. I have been using FeedDemon for several months now. However, only recently have I been using FeedDemon on a... Continue Reading →
Opera Promotes Deal With .edu’s
Opera just launched a deal that will allow academic institutions a free site license for the browser. The details of the offer are available here. The browser is being pitched as a much safer alternative to Internet Explorer. However, Opera believes there are other reasons to choose it's browser: "Opera is the ideal browser for... Continue Reading →