University Library News Release
Date: February 8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, NMSU Library, (505) 646-7492, jcsmith@lib.nmsu.edu
Library Debuts Instant Messaging Reference Service
Starting February 12, members of the NMSU Library's reference staff will use their instant message skills to better serve the information needs of NMSU students. The innovative IM service pilot project is targeted toward NMSU students both on and off campus.
However, anyone with an instant message account using YahooMessenger, GoogleTalk or AOL can chat with reference librarians from home by adding "asknmsulib" to his/her buddy list at http://www.meebo.com. MSN is not available at this time. Find out more at http://lib.nmsu.edu/contactus/imweb.shtml.
Instant messaging will be offered during normal Zuhl Reference Desk hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
The Library is using an open source software program, Gaim, by which multiple instant message accounts can be managed through one interface. In December, the Reference & Research Services staff received an introduction to Gaim and gained hands-on experience in IM technology.
Said reference librarian Cindy Watkins, "I am very excited about making research more convenient for students who are studying at home in their dorm or apartment."
Library users and librarians participating in the pilot project will be asked to fill out a survey upon completion of the online transaction. If the program is a success, the Library will consider making the service permanent.
The program is being marketed with bookmarks and valentines imprinted with the message "IM the NMSU Library at asknmsulib." For more information, please contact project organizers Missy Van Dusen at (505) 646-6087 or melissav@lib.nmsu.edu, or Cindy Pierard at (505) 646-7010 or cpierard@lib.nmsu.edu.
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