Instant Messaging

From a personal standpoint, I am very well acquainted with Instant Messaging. I do, on occasion, IM friends and relatives. I have always found the exchange to be a fun and somewhat frivolous way to communicate with those near (and not so near) and dear to me. I never stopped to consider any practical applications that instant messaging might have.
I suppose form a library's perspective, it would allow them to target and possibly connect with some of the millions of adults and teens who use IM on a daily basis. The most obvious way to serve this growing population would be by using IM in Virtual Reference. Because Instant Messaging allows for real time interaction , and is less intrusive than the phone, it provides one more way to reach patrons who are not willing or able to come into the library.