Instant Messaging in Extension
Our office has incorporated IM into our operations over the last five years or so. This has occurred mainly due to the fact that we are using virtual and distributed office settings. So IM has primarily been an internal tool versus an external tool for us. We use it for our internal operations versus as a means to connect with clientele. Libraries seem to be using it more and more to be more accessible to their clientele. Here is a good post from Bibliotech’s archive about IM use with librarians. It’s from this more recent post that notes:
As of this Fall, 2006, our IM Reference stats at Butler University have surpassed our email Reference stats and are regularly more than half of the number of Reference questions we get by phone. And this is only the second academic year we’ve offered this service.
The first post provides a succinct overview of why libraries need to use IM to connect with their clientele. I’m really uncertain how well (if at all) Extension is using IM. Especially given the changing demographics and technology use of current youth. There appears to be a demand. Any ideas?