Thing 11 - Read and find out about how libraries are using IM to serve customers

Listen to a podcast on Instant messaging.

Instant messaging (IM) is a form of online communication that allows real-time (or close to) interaction between two or more people through personal computers or mobile computing devices via the Internet. IM users can exchange messaging privately, similar to email, or join a group conversation. Although typed text remains the primary convention for IM, the technology has grown and now allows users to send images, audio and video files and other attachments.

Early version of IM appeared first in the late 1990s. The list of IM tools has grown to include dozens of applications. Technologies that enable IM such as wireless connectivity and web-ready mobile devices have become widespread.

The interactive nature of IM is closer to spoken conversation that written correspondence. Users communicate in a manner that is a step beyond email. They get a sense of presence of other IM users through emoticons and other devices. Yet, they have a perception of distance and often safety.

Hundreds of millions of people use IM to stay connected. According to the September 2004 study "How Americans Use Instant Messaging," by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 53 million adults send instant messages on a daily basis. More importantly, an entire generation --- the Millenninals ---is growing up using IM. They do not think of it as technology. It's a regular communication channel that suits their needs.

Discovery Resources

• IM me by Aaron Schmidt & Michael Stephens - Library Journal, 4/1/2005



• Instant Messaging - Wikipedia article



• Instant Messaging - It's not just for kids anymore by Marshal Breeding in Library Technology Guides.



• Instant Messaging Tools and Technology Mini Guide - Kolabora



• Introduction to Instant Messaging - 5 Weeks to a Social Librarian



• How American Use Instant Messaging - Pew Internet & American Family Life Report



• Teens and Technology - Pew Internet & American Family Life Report

Discovery Exercise

1. Read at least three of the articles in the Discovery Resources listed above.
2. Create a blog post that addresses the issue: IM and Libraries.

Here are some questions to get you started:
Why should libraries use IM?
How is IM different that traditional communication channels?
How many of the IM population are our customers and why should we care?

In the next blog post, you'll find out how VBPL is using IM.