Instant Messaging (IM) Reference Service
- What is Instant Messaging Reference?
- Who can use this service?
- Where can I get IM software?
- How do I IM an LBCC librarian?
- Can I use IM if the computer I'm using doesn't have Instant Messaging software installed?
- What is a screen name?
- What is a buddy list?
- What hours is IM reference service available?
- What types of questions will be answered?
- What happens to the transcripts of my IM session?
- How can I offer feedback on the Library's IM reference servce?
Q. What is Instant Messaging Reference?
Instant messaging or IM (for short) is real-time chat over the Internet in which users type short messages back and forth, using software such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Google Talk. Think of IM as being like e-mail, only faster. IM is also like a telephone conversation, except that the users communicate via text messaging instead of speech.
Q. Who can use this service?
The service is available to current students, faculty, and staff of Long Beach City College.
Q. Where can I get IM software?
IM service providers generally offer a fee IM client, which you can download—in most cases for free—and install on your computer. If you want to be able to chat over multiple messaging services from one application, try a free multi-protocol IM client, such as GAIM or Trillian. If you don't want to download anything, or you are using a computer on which you can't install software, use a Web-based IM service like meebo, which allows you to access your accounts via the Web. There are many IM service providers; however, LBCC supports the most popular ones listed below:
Q. How do I IM an LBCC librarian?
- Launch your IM application software or use the Web-based interface.
- Add lbcclibref to your Buddy List.
- Double-click on the Buddy name
- In the message window, type your message.
- Press the enter or return key on your keyboard.
Q. Can I use IM if the computer I'm using doesn't have IM software installed?
Yes. Most IM services provide Web interfaces that do not require client software. Examples include AIM Express, Yahoo! Web Messenger, and MSN Web Messenger. meebo is a Web-based aggregator of IM services, which allows you to connect with all your IM buddies from multiple IM services. No software download is required.
Q. What is a screen name?
A screen name is a name that you choose to identify yourself online when instant messaging with others. You will need to set up a screen name with an IM service before you can log in and IM a LBCC librarian. LBCC Library's screen name is "lbcclibref" with AOL, Yahoo!, MSN, and Google IM services.
Q. What is a buddy list?
A buddy list consists of the screen names of people you frequently IM. Add lbcclibref to your buddy list, so that you can readily IM a LBCC librarian.
Q. What hours is IM reference service available?
Monday through Thursday, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Q. What types of questions will be answered?
- A specific piece of information (e.g., a fact, a date, spelling of a name)
- Looking up books, journals, articles, etc., in our collection
- Basic suggestions on an appropriate electronic or print resource to find information for your project or research paper
- Questions about library resources and services
Q. What happens to the transcripts of my IM session?
The Library retains all transcripts in order to compile statistics and improve our service. Personal information, such as IP address, email, names, phone numbers, etc. that is embedded in an IM transcript, is not shared outside of the Library system.
Q. How can I offer feedback on the Library's IM reference service?
The Library staff welcomes your feedback. Use the suggestion form to send us your comments.
