Binghamton University Libraries Ask a Librarian

LibraryLinks Spring 2007

Meebo Us in Real Time

By Erin Rushton

Library patrons have a new way of contacting the reference desk. In February 2007, the Libraries launched a Meebo Us chat service. The service allows patrons to chat in real time with a librarian using the Meebo chat box on the Ask a Librarian web page. Unlike with instant messaging, the Meebo Us chat service does not require an account. Patrons simply type their question into the text box and hit “send.”

The Meebo Us service is being piloted until the end of the spring semester. Other reference services (in-person, instant messaging, e-mail and phone) are also available. Patrons who use the Meebo Us service are encouraged to complete an online survey. The survey will help us better understand how this service can be used to answer patron questions.

Interested in “Meeboing” a Librarian? Visit the Ask a Librarian page to ask a question today at
http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/webdocs/askalibrarian.html