Greetings-
Well, the Instant Messaging Reference Service pilot has been up and running for a couple of weeks now. Thus far, there haven't been many transactions, so we are still looking for additional ways to publicize this service. We have added information about the service to the Web site (http://www.biomed.lib.umn.edu/services/reference/im), included it on the stall flyers, and I just made some table tents for the library. Here are some things you can do to help:
- Post about the IM Reference Service on your liaison blog.
- Mention it when working with students or faculty.
- Point out the availability of the IM reference service to affiliated patrons when working with them at the reference desk.
Secondly, every once in a while, the Gaim IM application installed on the ref-b workstation at the reference desk wipes out all the accounts and settings. I had this happen the other day when I switched from my personal network login to the regular ref-b login. If it happens to you when you are at the reference desk, you can do one of two things:
1) Add the accounts and settings back into Gaim. All the screen names & passwords are available in this directory: O:\Reference\IM\Medref IM Account Information.doc. I've updated this document so that it hopefully includes all the necessary information to reestablish the Gaim accounts.
2) Switch to Meebo (a Web client for IM). The Meebo username and password are also in this same document.
Either way, please also let Lisa or me know that about the problem. Once those IMs start coming in from patrons, we want to be sure that they can reach us!
Finally, I encourage you to create an IM account (if you haven't already) and to log into it while at work. Some of us have already found IM quite useful for communicating with each other.
If you have any questions, please see me or Lisa.
Cheers,
Martha