What is chat and co-browsing?

Chat lets you and a librarian communicate through instant text messages. When a message is typed in and sent, it appears on the screens of both computers. The chat portion of our system should appear on the left of your screen. The most recent messages will appear at the top of the list.

Co-browsing means that you and the librarian share the same Web pages, including online databases and other services that require authentication. If the librarian enables co-browsing and you accept it, you will be able to see the librarian enter search terms and navigate through a page, and the librarian will be able to see anything you enter or click on in that browser window. (Note: Co-browse only works with Internet Explorer.)

What is Instant Messaging?

Instant Messaging (IM) is an electronic communication method wherein users type messages which are transmitted in real time to the person they are contacting.

To use IM you need to have a "username" registered with one of the IM services. You also need an "instant message client", a program that allows you to IM with others. IM clients come in two forms: programs you download and install on your computer (good for your personal/home computer) or web-based clients that are usable through an internet browser (good for when you are in a computer lab or other public computer).

Below are links to the three IM services we use (in order of overall popularity), where you can register for a screenname and download clients.(Note: Temple University is not responsible for these programs):

Register and Download Clients:

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
Windows Live Messenger (MSN)
Yahoo Messenger

Try an online IM client:

Meebo lets you login to any of the above services and many more: no downloads.