Using Meebo as a Virtual Reference Tool

Meebo is an open-source Web 2.0 tool that provides free instant messaging service to its users. Meebo supports IM services such as Google Talk, Facebook chat, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Jabber and a wide variety of others, allowing users to IM across different platforms all from one central location, eliminating the need to log-in to multiple IM service providers.

Meebo is easy to implement as a virtual reference tool, as it requires no special software. All that is needed to register for Meebo is an email address. Once registered for a Meebo account, you can add other IM services that you are registered for to your Meebo accounts, meaning that any messages sent to those accounts will appear on your Meebo account. You dont need to add your other accounts to use Meebo, though if you have quite a few IM accounts it might be useful.




The Meebo widget (Meebo-me) can be embedded right on to the library webpage, allowing users to type their questions and send them off without the need to log-in. Messages will instantly appear in your Meebo account page, as long as you are logged-in. Messages that are sent when you are not logged-in to Meebo will be waiting for you the next time you log-in. Your Meebo widget is customisable, and can be stylized to compliment your librarys website. Your Meebo account page is also customisable. One of the most useful features is the alert sound that lets you know when a new message has been sent to your account. By using the Meebo sound alert, you can leave your Meebo tab open in the background, and be alerted to new messages while doing work in other programs, tabs or windows.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• meebo
• virtual reference
• IM reference
• chat reference
• library 2.0