Recently, we have utilized the gem that is instant messaging by installing Office Communicator on our computers. I like it's convenience because I have access to it through outlook. So if there is a green ball next to someone's name in an email I am reading, I can right click on it and send them a message through communicator.

Instances where I see the communicator as more beneficial over email would be when I want to ask someone a quick question, and I'm concerned about filling up their already full inbox with an unnecessary email. Also, I was able to share my screen with a couple different coworkers to show off features on Un-Shushed! Basically, the user on the other end of the communication had access to what I was seeing on my desktop, so as I browsed the web or as I clicked on different buttons, they could see what I was doing. Having a visual makes it a lot easier to explain things then just using words.

Libraries can take advantage of instant messaging in a few different ways. One way was illustrated in the previous paragraph where I described how we at the library can communicate easily and efficiently with each other. Another way we could use instant messaging, something we don't do (yet anyways), is use it for reference questions. People accessing the internet from home could send us a reference question, and we could respond within a few minutes. I've used instant messaging or chat-like software to ask reference questions at other libraries before, and I've been pleased with my interactions because librarians have sent me links to resources that I could instantly click on at home.