Thing 12: IM and VBPL Ref

As earlier indicated, I think IM and reference are a great match! Wouldn't it be great if we had IM availability anytime the library is open! I would be curious to see how often IM is being used currently during the hours we're open for IM. usage is only going to increase from what we're seeing now.

I know that every service we provide needs to be tracked and measured. Seems to me we can save the logs for x period of time and use them to determine duration and frequency of IM's from patrons.

and finally, i think it's great that the library is willing to explore new areas to reach customers where they are. but how far do we go with this? e.g. the topic of using video/virtual reality games is controversial, but we do offer workshops on the wii, etc. my neighbor, the traditionalist, would be appalled, no doubt. what's the connection to IM? i'm trying to say that IM is just another way to do what the library has traditionally always done - help people answer their questions. i would expect us to deliberate much longer and harder about whether to buy a wii than whether to implement IM as a real service - not just a homework helper.

and finally, i'm glad to see that the city internet site actually offers 24 hr support for live online assistance. and guess what tool they use ?? IM!

end of rant. isn't that what blogs are for??