LibraryLinks Fall 2005
Instant Message a Librarian
By Erin Rushton
Instant Messaging is quickly becoming the preferred form of communication for university students. The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently reported that over 62% of 18-27 year olds use Instant Messaging. In response to its growing popularity, the Libraries recently implemented an Instant Messaging reference service. The service allows patrons to ask questions using their personal instant messaging accounts (AOL AIM, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger). Over 200 questions have been received and answered since the service was launched.
The service is offered Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and weekends 4 p.m.-8 p.m., when classes are in session. Patrons can IM a librarian at either BUmainlib or BUScilib. For more information, see our web page.