Blogs can be enhanced through the use of dialog and conversations. People like to talk to each other. Some libraries have incorporated instant messaging in their blogs such as “ask a librarian” service, especially in academic environments. It is easily accomplished by inserting a Meebo widget for example (Meebo is an instant messaging program) in a library Weblog.
Mount Allison University:
Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick offers a chat reference through the “meebo me” widget which appears on the Ask A Librarian page. The page is easily accessible with one link from the home page which is their main events blog and therefore is nicely integrated with its other information. It also appears easy to use. Mount Allison obviously recognizes there are seasoned IM users among its student base ( as do a number of universities. McMaster also uses the meebo widget). Although I personally might not use instant messaging today, I suspect that I could be persuaded of its value. Instant messaging is an additional tool that can be exploited to teach and support. It also enhances the presence of the library and its offerings.
