THING #22 : Communication

I have signed up for Google Talk and have called myself "Mr.Have.A.Chat", which I thought was such an apt name! Add me as a contact if you wish.

I am no stranger to online instant messaging, as I have used MSN Messenger for many years. The beauty of tools like MSN is that they allow you to "talk" (chat) to one, or a multiple number of your friends at the same time, as well as uploading / downloading documents, photos or music etc. that you wish to file-share amongst yourselves.
Not that I have participated often, but group discussions can be really useful- especially if you are trying to organise a get-together, or do a group assignment, and can't all be at the one place at the same time to do it.

Though in saying all of the above, the amount of time I have spent chatting on MSN in recent months has declined sharply- mainly due to the amount of time it can involve. Some conversations can last anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour or two- or more, which in some cases, I find it easier to have a conversation over the phone, as you can cover a lot more ground in a lot less time.

I believe tools like Google Talk / MSN (and equivalent) do have a place in libraries, providing the services they are being used for are marketed properly. For example, an online "Ask the Librarian" reference service could be offered between library's and their patrons (though users of this service may have to register, so as it would be somewhat controlled).

For staff, Google Talk and MSN could replace traditional face-to-face meetings, for example, Lending Services and Section Heads, where staff need to travel from various campus / branch libraries to attend. However, if technology permitted, video conferencing, using Skype would be ideal tool to use.