Some of you may have noticed how I’ve added a browser-based Meebo widget to my IST Research Guide pages recently. I really enjoy being able to offer quick, informal assistance this way. Users type in the bottom area and then the dialog appears up above. No IM client is required on your part – it happens all in the browser! One downside though, is that it’s not obvious to patrons when I step away from the monitor. And if I’m not here when you IM me … so much for the instantaneous aspect! So what are your options for getting a quick answer?

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While I typically don’t republish newsbits from beyond Drexel, I wanted to call attention to this announcement from the American Libraries Assn “Library Info Technology” division. The kind of value this one entrepreneur was able to provide by serving up low-cost shared services really illustrates the opportunities that are continually opening up as web-based services evolve. I think if more iSchools were operating “clinics” with low-cost consulting to support these services, I think that would be even better! ( I hope to have more to say on that topic in the near future….)

“2008 LITA/Brett Butler Entrepreneurship Award winner announced
CHICAGO – Glenn Peterson is the 2008 recipient of the LITA/Brett Butler Entrepreneurship Award for his development of EngagedPatrons.org. Engagedpatrons.org provides low-cost and free Web site services for public libraries. The site went live in May 2006, enabling even small- and medium-sized libraries the ability to offer high-quality Web services to their patrons, services that most would otherwise be unable to provide.”

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Here’s the link to the full text.