Email:  I have started using gmail, and for the most part I like it.  I love how the conversations are organized by “tabs” rather than a run-on list like regular email.  I find that I miss not being able to “star” in my other email account.  I’m getting used to giving tags to the emails, but I wish I didn’t have to scroll down so far to view my labels — I didn’t figure that out for a while . . . I would like if you could just click on a label in an email and it would take you to all of the messages with that label.  Also, since I no longer use Outlook, I miss some functions with that — but not much.

I.M.:  I’ve really only used this in gmail, but I do like it . . . it’s easier than a phone call in some cases, though I have called somebody in the middle of a chat because it would be easier to communicate that way.  The Library Journal article about this is really good.  I definitely think it should be a part of public libraries’ reference services. 

T.M.:  I tm quite a bit, and it is extremely useful in places where I can’t (or shouldn’t) be talking on a phone.  I’m of the generation though where I could never do it prolifically.  The few times I’ve texted in front of people, I’ve felt extremely rude (unlike the kids who text other kids while talking to other kids, etc.).  Also, I’m an English major, so I have a very hard time not using punctuation (particularly apostrophes) and correct spelling.  I find that I’ll condense come words (”tho”) no problem, but that I can’t misspell others — I’m not sure why.  This would be the main reason I would balk at this for reference.  At least with I.M. I can use correct spelling and punctuation . . . I’m not sure that I don’t think I would want to be send text messages as a professional.  However, I really like the idea of receiving standard emails from my library about overdues, new books, or events.  Do any libraries around here do that?