About ten years go, a lot of libraries prohibited emailing from public access computers. I think that rule was in place for two reasons… 1. Web-based tools like Hotmail or Yahoo Mail (which don’t require software to be installed on the computer) were not as well-known (and libraries, justifiably, did not want patron emails to come from a library account). 2. Libraries had different ideas about how library computers should be used (school reports, resume writing, “real” research). Now I think we know that communication is an important use of computers and it’s definitely one of THE most popular uses of library computers. I am not aware of a single library that continues to prohibit patron access to email.
I do still see some libraries prohibiting the use of instant messaging (IM). One of the reasons libraries have prohibited it is because of the need to install the Instant Messaging client on each public access computer. That, however, is no longer required. There are web-based tools that allow you to use IM without having to install software. My personal favorite is Meebo. It allows users to access their AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ or Jabber accounts, without needing to install any software. And it’s free! (Liz and Mickey have both mentioned Meebo here on the blog before.)
When you access Meebo, you will frequently see interesting notes from the developers. Today, for example, Elaine from Meebo posted some statistics they have gathered about text customization. 75% of users just use the default black font when are chatting. If people do change the color of the text, however, what do you think is the most popular choice? Hot pink!
Comment By: Donna
December 6th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
We love Meebo at K-State Libraries! Our reference desk uses it to offer chat reference for patrons, and it allows us to put the simple MeeboMe! plugin right on any webpage we want.
Comment By: Brenda
December 6th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Donna,
That’s awesome – well then, I heart K-State’s Innovation, too!
Brenda
Comment By: Liz
December 7th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Meebo Me is way cool. There’s a wordpress widget, too!
Comment By: Shadow
December 8th, 2006 at 5:36 am
yeah its Awesum!!!!!!!!!!!!! i use it when im supposesd 2 be working!! hehe!
anyway its way cool!
Comment By: Sten60164
January 25th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Basically nothing noteworthy happening right now, but eh. Today was a complete loss. I haven’t been up to much recently. I’ve pretty much been doing nothing worth mentioning.