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Instant Messaging

The Library is currently testing the use of Instant Messenger to communicate with our patrons.

What is it?

Instant Messaging (IM) allows you to chat, online, with a reference librarian. It is quicker than email - when you send an IM we can see it immediately. Users are identified by screen names.  There are several major IM services. Generally you may only communicate with others who subscribe to the same service, but the Library can communicate with users of any of the services. To subscribe to an IM service, click here.

What are the Library's screen names?

Adult Services

For AOL (AIM) our screen name is Askhplibrary
For  Yahoo! our screen name is Askhplibrary
For MSN users our screen name is Askhplibrary@hotmail.com
For Google users our screen name is Askhplibrary@gmail.com

Youth Services

For AOL (AIM) our screen name is Askhplibrarykids
For  Yahoo! our screen name is Askhplibrarykids
For MSN users our screen name is Askhplibrarykids@hotmail.com
For Google users our screen name is Askhplibrarykids@gmail.com

Note: The status information is picked up in realtime  from the messenger services and may be inaccurate, take time to load or not load at all. Audio-Visual Department For AOL (AIM) our screen name is Askhplibraryav For  Yahoo! our screen name is Askhplibraryav For MSN users our screen name is Askhplibraryav@hotmail.com For Google users our screen name is Askhplibraryav@gmail.com Note: The status information is picked up in realtime  from the messenger services and may be inaccurate, take time to load or not load at all.

Hours of availability

During the testing phase, we will be monitoring IM for messages during these hours:

We may be available at other times, too. Check the status buttons, above, or add us to your buddy list. If we know we will be too busy to answer IM questions, we will put up an "unavailable" message. If you see this, try again later or send us an email and we will get back to you.

How do I subscribe to an IM account?

If you don't currently use an IM service, click on any of the links to a service listed below and sign up for an account.

We can communicate  with:
AOL's Instant Messenger (AIM)
Microsoft's MSN Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger
Google's Google Talk.

Some services require you to download a small software program to your computer and some allow you to use a web-based client after registering with the service. You can also sign on using the web-based service meebo. Just click on one of the new user? links to register for any of the services.

What is a buddy list?

A buddy list is a collection of screen names in an IM program. (Also called a "contact list" in some programs). It generally displays in a window when you are connected to your IM service. The buddy icons tell you whether or not a particular person is available to talk.

How do I IM a librarian?

Just open a new message and enter our screen name into the to: field and start typing your message or double click on the buddy icon to open an IM window and type your message.