Thing Eight: Communication Web 2.0 Style

Instant messaging has always been very mysterious to me. I have even accidently helped library patrons get onto the Yahoo instant messaging software ages ago but never had the nerve to take this up as a hobby until now. First, I decided that I would experiment with Meebo because I did not have to sign up for another account. However, after I downloaded their widget I am not sure how to figure out when the NEFLIN folks are online.Oh well, deciding to go for it I realized that back on Flickr I had a Yahoo account. So, now I have Yahoo Instant Messenger as well. But, in editing my site I lost my Meebo! Horrors! This means that I have to keep working away at the 23Things and not let a day go by that I do not work on it. Why? Just because its like my exercise class...chipping away at the pounds and strengthening my body has a lot of the same discipline that I require to master the Internet environment and get comfortable with Library 2.0.
As for library applications, I wonder if this could be used between the two reference desks upstairs and the staff offices downstairs in the library where I work...another way to keep relay messages and keep in touch.
SMS or short messaging service would be ideal to let cell phone users receive messages about their library accounts. Australia and New Zealand, served by the information system company Civica, have adopted the Spydus library automation system. Their website displays an endorsement from the Lord Mayor of Wollongong City, who makes no bones about the convenience it offers to users of the city library and the time it saves carrying out routine transactions. Since cell phone users are legion over here, wouldn't a similar system be great to help our patrons attached to their cell phones, keep up with holds, overdues, ILLs , and purchase requests?