Instant messaging (IM) is a form of real-time communication between two or more people using typed text over a network like the Internet. Surveys from 2004-2005 found that 42% of Internet users used IM, with 36% using it daily and 63% using it several times a week. Younger generations were more likely to use IM, and 38% of IM users sent more IMs than emails. 26% of employed IM users used it at work for communicating with colleagues and clients. 75% of online teens used IM, with 78% using it to discuss schoolwork. Libraries have started offering IM reference services to communicate with patrons where they are online.

1. Instant Messaging Trends & Practice January 16, 2008 Susan Knisely Online Services Librarian Nebraska Library Commission

3. A Live Example! http://webmessenger.yahoo.com

4. Trends in IM Usage

6. Pew Internet & American Life Project Tracking Survey (2004) IM usage by age group Based on Internet users: Gen Y (ages 18-27, born 1977 or later) 62% Gen X (ages 28-39, born 1965-1976) 37% Trailing Boomers (ages 40-49, born 1955-1964) 33% Leading Boomers (ages 50-58, born 1946-1954) 29% Matures (ages 59-68, born 1936-1945) 25% After Work (ages 69+, born 1935 or earlier) 29%

13. IM Trends in Libraries

19. Meeting Users at their Point of Need http://nebraska.gov http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/docs/needhelp.html

21. Practice, Practice, Practice!

29. Meebo http://www.meebo.com

30. My Meebo Account

35. Ta Da!

36. Where can you embed MeeboMe?