The new Spark software has given us the ability to provide more access to Ohio residents including the option of integrating instant messaging (IM) into the KnowItNow24x7 statewide service. The technology, logistics, and staffing of an IM component all present their own unique challenges.
Making KIN24x7 more accessible to the visually-impaired has been a long-term goal. Spark has this potential now by using IM, which also provides another way for everyone to get answers to their questions. So, IM is coming to KIN24x7, but your thoughts on how this should be implemented are needed. All KIN24x7 librarians and stakeholders are encouraged to log in and post comments or questions to the “Starting a Conversation: KIN24x7 Instant Messaging” Forum topic at http://provider.knowitnow.org/node/301. We are looking at January 2009 as an implementation date, and I want to hear your thoughts.
If you have not created a n account for the Provider site yet, you can do this simply by going to http://provider.knowitnow.org/user/register or clicking on Create An Account in the left column of the KIN24x7 Provider homepage.
Thank you and I look forward to reading (and responding to) your thoughts on the Forum.

Don Boozer
KnowItNow24x7 Coordinator
support@knowitnow.org

The KnowItNow support team
216-623-2987
216-973-2972 Cell
http://provider.knowitnow.org
support@knowitnow.org