IMing!

IMing the Library

I think that it was a brilliant idea for libraries to extend their reference transactions to IMing customers/potential customers online. It targets an audience that may not have otherwise visited the library and it reaches those patrons who'd rather conveniently IM a question to a libararian, at home. Also, it may reach customers who may be a little intimidated from approaching the almighty REFERENCE DESK. *smiles*

When another co-worker and I interviewed two staff members about Iming, they said that they receive a mix of difficult and "easy" questions. However, since IMing is new, they don't receive that many online questions. Perhaps, the VBPLs can connect with the schools about this exciting, new way to interact with the library (if the library system hasn't already).

Overall, I think that this new mode of communication for the library system serves as a great way to connect with many patrons and I look forward to more patrons utilizing this service.