Well, they're sending text messages, called IM (for Instant Message) when executed at a computer and SMS (for Short Message Service) when from a cell phone. When more than two people are talking at once, it's chat. But whatever you call it, it's quickly becoming a chief mode of communication in many circles, including libraries. And as with many emerging technologies, it's moving out of the realm of recreation (or distraction?) and into becoming another accepted and expected tool for quick and painless professional communication.

The basics:

• There are three major providers of IM accounts: AIM, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN messenger. If you're an AOL user or have a yahoo.com or hotmail/msn email account then half the IM battle is won - those can be your accounts for IM too. If you don't or aren't, then getting such things are a snap (and free, by the way). Just click on the links above and register.



• Once you have a username, you have subscribed to the service. But you need a way to access it. This is a bit like a webpage existing, but you need an internet browser to reach it. Each of these username providers also will provide software (read: the browser), but there's a payoff. When using their software you usually can only talk to people using the same provider. So you yahoo and I AIM = we can't talk. (This is starting to change, but it hasn't completely done so yet.) But wait! There's hope. There are a few integrated chat clients that will allow you to talk to almost anyone, regardless of what provider they use. (Sort of like, choosing Firefox over Internet Explorer. You get to the same thing in the end, but maybe with a bit more ease and flare. And we're all about flare.) These are Gaim and Trillian. There are others, but these are the biggies. Gaim is open-source and free. Trillian has a free version as well as a beefier one for purchase.



• So, you've got your account, you've downloaded your client, all you need is a guinea pig or pigs, right? You need someone to talk to. Well, for the low low price of gratitude with a chocolate chaser, your systems department is here for you. I'm online most of the day and much of the evening. Open your 'buddy list' window. Click 'add a buddy' and put in my username. Once you see me in the buddy list, double click on it, type: "Lichen, you exquisite creature... when are you free for a lunch on me?", click send, and viola - You have joined the IMers.

What I do, if you're interested:

As you can see, I have accounts with many IM providers. Yet because I use the Gaim software they basically play nice as one. So I have one signon, one buddy list, and one IM window open regardless of how many people I'm talking to at once. Shhhh, don't tell Val. Actually, do tell Val, you can IM her. IM is being used more and more for in-house, professional communication. I'm on a New England wide committee and we even have our meetings, 15 of us, via this software. I also have a few plugins downloaded, one of them shows the artist and song title of whatever I'm listening to in your buddy list (depending on what client you chose). Please keep in mind that musical tastes are purely my own and imply no endorsement by the University Library. So, if you think this sounds cool, but you're still a bit shaky on it, feel free to... ummmm, email me or phone me and I'd be more than happy to help you try it out.

Much content above borrowed heavily from this blogpost by Aaron Schmidt. Some of you may remember Aaron as one of the presenters from the WebJunction presentation in September I hosted. He spoke on blogs in libraries.