Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this e-portfolio is to provide a framework with which to explore Instant Messaging in general and explore it's specific application to academic libraries.
At the beginning of the semester, Merced College did not have an Instant Messaging service although we did have Text-a-Librarian through Mosio. The service was not used very much and even when it was used, most questions revolved around asking if the librarians could ask loud patrons to be quiet. This service was not marketed and I knew that it could be an effective tool in the reference librarian’s toolbox.
Although Instant Messaging is an older technology, it was not being used on our campus and I wanted to present an argument for its use. Over the semester, my intent has changed slightly. We now have an IM service but I do not feel that it is the best choice and I wanted to explore the other choices we may have. I have also begun to consider other media to market our services to students, faculty and staff. Instant Messaging provides a platform to push videos, podcasts, screencasts and links to students in a way that is easy for students to use.
At the beginning of the semester, Merced College did not have an Instant Messaging service although we did have Text-a-Librarian through Mosio. The service was not used very much and even when it was used, most questions revolved around asking if the librarians could ask loud patrons to be quiet. This service was not marketed and I knew that it could be an effective tool in the reference librarian’s toolbox.
Although Instant Messaging is an older technology, it was not being used on our campus and I wanted to present an argument for its use. Over the semester, my intent has changed slightly. We now have an IM service but I do not feel that it is the best choice and I wanted to explore the other choices we may have. I have also begun to consider other media to market our services to students, faculty and staff. Instant Messaging provides a platform to push videos, podcasts, screencasts and links to students in a way that is easy for students to use.