Hello!
Our colleagues within Edinburgh University Computing Services (EUCS) have set
up a working party to discuss issues around the use of Instant Messaging (IM)
within the University. The Library is also represented on the group.
Although IM technology has been around for a number of years, it has so far
been almost completely ignored by EUCS and probably the University at large.
However, it is now being increasingly used in the commercial world, and so it
is seen as appropriate to examine the potential use of IM across the University.
As far as the Library is concerned, the potential major application for IM is
in the field of real-time reference work, and we are interested in using such
systems to provide 24/7 support through collaboration with other institutions
in other time zones across the world.
So… we would like to solicit opinions and input regarding IM generally and its
potential features: messaging itself, conferencing (text and otherwise),
application sharing, file transfer etc...
Have you done it? Are you doing it? Why are you doing it? What other
applications have you found for it? Have you come across any barriers to its
use? What are the risks ?
Any experience and input are considered important.
Comments on the above are welcomed, and please send to:
[log in to unmask]
Graeme D Eddie
Online Services Division
Edinburgh University Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9 LJ
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