Web 2.0 Tool Review-Instant Messaging with Meebo

I am currently working in a public library in the Chicago area. The local area libraries are all vying with each other to offer some of the Web 2.0 tools such as Blogs, MySpace etc. One such useful service that a library can offer is Instant messaging(IM) to its patrons. IM can be offered through Yahoo, AOL, Google Talk, MSN etc. However Meebo.com is a web based IM service that lets you log into your IM networks from any computer with a browser and internet connection without any firewall issues. The Meebo window is embedded into the web page of your library or personal website or blog and a patron can chat with a librarian without leaving the library’s web page. Meebo was launched in September 2005 and is based in California, is absolutely free, and lets you talk to anybody on Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, AIM without any downloads. Meebo lets you set up a buddy list and you can connect to as many places as you want. A nice feature is the indicator that tells you when a new message is being sent and the time message was sent. Also Meebo rooms are places where people can chat and view media live with IM buddies, both inside meebo.com and across the Web on their own sites. People can set up their own rooms for different topics and post pictures and videos. Meebo has been in the news lately. It was on PC World’s top 100 products of 2007 and gives a good review of Meebo at http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,131664-c,webservices/article.html

A lot of libraries are offering IM through Meebo. Most of the libraries are using IM services to chat live with a librarian. This can be used for instant reference services by patrons without having to come to the library. For example the Bloomingdale Public Library has Meebo IM on its web page at http://www.mybpl.org/bpl

Another library offering IM through Meebo is the Elmhurst Public Library. It also offers IM as a reference help to its patrons at http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/resref/askalibrarian.php

Still another library is the Villa Park Public Library which offers a IM link on its web page. Once you click on the IM sign the Meebo logo appears and offers IM messaging with a librarian for all the patrons questions at http://www.villapark.lib.il.us/

I think that the library I work in will benefit greatly from offering IM through Meebo since users will be able to log into IM through any of their accounts. This will enable a larger percentage of the clientèle to access the IM service and avail the reference help that is being offered by the librarians. More patrons will be able to benefit without having to come to the library. The IM will offer an interactive chat service between the patron and the librarian and the librarians will be able to offer better results. The younger patrons will be more willing to use IM for their reference needs and the library will be able to provide a technological alternative to in person reference service. The library will definitely be able to attract the younger patrons more with IM since they are very comfortable with the new technologies. Meebo is also a free service that does not require the library to purchase or download any expensive software. One challenge that the library might be prepared for is that since users can log in from anywhere the library IM could get very busy. Also IM can also probably be used for only quick reference questions, because a long delay in answering might result in the patron logging off.