Instant Messaging Reference: A Practical Guide (Chandos, Information Professional Series) [Paperback]

Rachel Bridgewater and Meryl B. Cole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1843343576 | ISBN-13: 978-1843343578 | Edition: 1

Virtual reference is a vital component of twenty-first century reference service. Exclusively focused on instant messaging services, this book focuses explains the importance and practical implementation of instant messaging (IM) as a reference tool. Along with a brief history of IM and a guide to the basics, the book provides busy practitioners with a comprehensive guide to IM, including set-up, its uses in the reference interview, user and staff expectations and evaluating service. There is also coverage of more complicated features including widgets, enterprise and collaborative IM, as well as insight into privacy and security issues and best practices for promoting services.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rachel Bridgewater is the Reference Co-ordinator at Washington State University Vancouver. In addition to co-ordinating reference services, Rachel teaches, develops and supports web applications, and serves as the library's copyright expert. Rachel is also part-time faculty in Emporia State University's School of Library and Information Science. Rachel frequently speaks about technology topics at local, national, and international conferences. In her talks, Rachel often addresses the impact of emerging technologies on culture, learning, and teaching. Meryl B. Cole is a reference librarian at Washington State University Vancouver. Her background in international teaching and curriculum development fuels and informs her interest in teaching in today's increasingly wired world. A firm believer that libraries need to promote their services as any other organization does, Meryl draws upon on her extensive experience in corporate communications to market library services to the community at large.

Product Details

• Paperback: 181 pages
• Publisher: Chandos Publishing; 1 edition (January 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843343576
• ISBN-13: 978-1843343578
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,143,472 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)