Sending instant messages, be they SMS, AOL, Gchat or any other of the numerous methods of “chatting” has become widespread in the computer world. The research maniacs over at the Pew have identified, in several studies, the current generation’s (those born since 1980) love of the chat. What does this mean for the library?
Currently, The University of Iowa library is redesigning it’s web site based on someone’s brilliant Master’s Thesis. One of the recommendations was to move the chat feature to a prominent place on the main page. I am guessing that the move of the chat feature will result in dramatically increased traffic of this service. However, I am wondering what impact, if any, this will have on the type of question the reference department is asked. Additionally, will the relocations of the chat feature send a signal that the library has changed, for better or worse, to accommodate the information needs of students?
I firmly believe that the amount of attention that students give their education is decreasing, but this is hardly any fault of the student and more society. But that is a discussion for a different time. The point is that students have information needs and the library is here to help, but is encouraging chat the way to do this?
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