A few weeks ago, a librarian asked me if we could install Yahoo Messenger on our Public Access Computers. As it turns out, he had had a few queries from patrons who wanted to use instant messaging clients to chat with their buddies.
I'm not unsympathetic to IM users--I've done over a thousand chat sessions myself since 2007. However, I maintain four computers (one at each library, one in my home office, and the laptop in my living room that I am using to compose this blog), and trying to synchronize settings and buddies on all those boxes, plus my new iPhone, is problematic. (Don't forget my motto: If you don't think too good, don't think too much!) Installing proprietary IM clients on our Public Access Computers is not imminent.
So, when I feel the need to use Instant Messaging, I go to www.meebo.com. Once I'm on Meebo, I log in with whatever identity I need, and there's my list of chat buddies. When I'm through with the session, I log out, and nothing is left behind. When I land on another computer, I log in with Meebo, and my settings automagically reappear.
So, the next time you're on a foreign computer, and want to use Instant Messaging, surf to Meebo, log in and start chatting.
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