1st Article

Schmidt, A., & Stephens, M (2005, April). IM me. Library Journal, 130(6), 34-35. Retrieved June 17, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database

This article talks about the advantages of using Instant Messaging (IM) in libraries to help patrons with reference questions. Many people today use IM to get a quick answer to have conversations that do not leave some type of trail behind. We can already email our questions to reference librarians, but that may take hours before we ever get a response. Many libraries are hiring full and part time positions where the job description is to help any IM questions. This type of reference is often less formal and very convient if you are unable to get to the library right away. The best way to get people comfortable with using a IM program is to promote the program, and then train them on how to use it. One of the librarians from the article publicized their service through press realeases, local newspapers, distributing flyers, and business cards. Some of the challenges are that some libraries don't allow IM chat, some people don't type fast enough, some don't handle multi-tasking, and some just prefer face to face interaction. The article states that IM isn't going to take away from other forms of communication, but it will help to make reference services relevant to todays users.

I like the idea of using IM for libraries, because it will still be the reference librarian who does the main searches or gives ideas on where to find information. It just would not be a face to face interaction. This type of referencing would be very convient to today's face paced world.