Thing 8 - Communication - Web 2.0 Style

I am familiar with all 3 parts of Thing 8 - IMing, txting, and web conferencing.

I am currently participating in our library's version of chatting/IMing, Ask-A Librarian. It is a web-based service that requires no downloads, just an updated version of Java. Therefore, it is convenient for the librarians to use anywhere, even at home. Also, patrons just click on a link from one of our library webpages and can chat with a librarian after entering some brief info about themselves and typing their question if they choose. In my brief experience chatting with patrons (1 year), we also used another type of software called Pidgin before moving to the web-based service. It required downloading the software on each computer you used and required the Meebo aggregator so patrons could use the service from various other IM services including Yahoo, Google Talk, and AOL. The Pidgin software worked fairly well, but most seem to be pleased with the new service. It does, however, take some getting used to typing quickly, searching the web for answers to questions, pushing pages, and handling more than one patron at once!! I have enjoyed my experiences so far and look forward to my time chatting each week.

I am familiar with texting in my personal life - mostly friends, but have not heard of anyone using this service in the libraries. I'm not sure I understand how librarians can use texting with personal cell phones since the service usually incurs a cost. However, it seems from the article, that there are other ways to incorporate texting with library services: "To make it easier for libraries to include SMS in their communications options, Innovative Interfaces Inc. (III) says it build SMS messaging into future versions of its Millennium library automation system. Some of the functionality expected from the vendor’s SMS integration into its ILS includes the ability to send text messages to patrons’ mobile phones so library users can be alerted when requested materials are available as well as to help libraries provide other circulation-related functions.Given that many library patrons interact almost constantly through their cell phones, receiving library notices through them will be more convenient and immediate than printed notices or even e-mail." If this service was provided, patrons (especially of the younger generations) could benefit since they are so often using their cell phones for communication.

I have also attended a number of "web conferences" on various library-related topics. With a bit of planning and time management, they all seemed to work well from the my end (the attendee). Usually I just had to go to a few sites, download a bit of software, dial a phone number, and I was "in." It was fairly effortless for me to be at my desk and learn new information and also participate in the conference without having to go anywhere. Creating a web conference, on the other hand, could be a bit more challenging. I could see how creating or participating in web conferencing could benefit many librarians since most do not have the time or money to travel. I also believe that much more library-related information can be shared this way.

The web 2.0 communication tools presented in Thing 8 could all be useful to libraries of all sizes. They are being incorporated in many ways in many libraries today and are helping patrons get information better, faster, and in the way they want it.