Instant Messaging and You
What is Instant Messaging?
WSU Vancouver Library Screen Names
Yahoo! Messenger - wsuvlibrary
MSN Messenger - library@vancouver.wsu.edu
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) - wsuvlibrary
Follow these links to sign up for free instant messaging!
Instant Messaging, or 'IM' is a program that allows users who are online to communicate quickly with others. It is faster than e-mail and less cumbersome than 'chat' services. You can keep a 'buddy list' of other user's IM screen names, which will inform you if any of your friends are online. By keeping our librarians on your buddy list, you will have access to a quick resource with real people who want to help solve your information needs.
What about Privacy and IM?
Privacy is a major concern for every library, and we do everything we can to ensure the privacy of our users. Instant Messaging programs, though convenient, are not entirely private. Just like e-mail and other electronic communications, it is not advisable to transmit any information that you would not want others to have access to, particularly personal ID numbers, passwords, etc. Every provider of Instant Messaging services has their own privacy policy, which we encourage you to read.
What else do I need to know?
Instant Messaging is a great communication tool with a lot of possibilities. It is also a relatively new tool, which means that many of its intricacies have yet to be explored. By using our IM reference service, you aren't just helping yourself, you're helping us figure out what works best. This in turn will help us improve our service to you. So, thank you in advance for your use of this new service!