WebJunction

If you or your library staff needs to stay in touch throughout the day, or a colleague is working from a remote location, consider chat programs as a viable alternative to e-mail. Chat software allows users to communicate in real time with one or more people while bypassing the need to constantly check e-mail.

There are two variations of chat. One is Internet Relay Chat (IRC), a service through which participants communicate with each other via hundreds of channels. The channels are based on specific topics of all kinds. To access IRC, you must use an IRC software program. Sometimes referred to as the Net's version of CB Radio, IRC lets people from all over the world participate in real-time conversations.

Another popular variation of chat is instant messenger (sometimes called instant messager). Instant messaging tools are sometimes mistakenly referred to as IRC, but they are substantially different. With instant messenger programs, a user on the Web can contact another user currently logged in, and type a conversation. These programs often notify you when your colleagues are online at the same time you are. Many of these programs can be downloaded for free.

Often, people leave their instant messenger program open all day while working on their computers. Because the exchange of information is so fast, instant messengers can be a more effective way of getting quick answers to questions, and they can eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth exchanges of e-mail. It's even becoming a new verb, as in, "I'll IM you."

If the other party is logged on, communication occurs virtually in real time. If you are logged on, but away from your desk, remember to use the "I'm Away" function so your messaging partner won't feel ignored. The main drawback of this type of communication is that in order for instant messaging to mimic an actual conversation, both individuals must be logged on simultaneously and have a comparable typing speed.

Free instant messengers

• AOL Instant Messenger: America Online's instant messenger.

• ICQ: The original instant message service that allows users to share files. Short for I Seek You, it is available in multiple languages.

• MSN Messenger: An instant messaging service from Microsoft.

• Bantu.com: A universal instant messenger available in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese). There are different interfaces for each language. You can communicate with others using ICQ, AOL, MSN, and Yahoo message systems. It also includes calendars that can be shared and chat groups.

• Yahoo! Messenger: Yahoo's instant messaging service.

For an overview of chat, IRC, and instant messaging technologies, visit Chatmag.com.