Code4Lib Journal (Jun 2008)

Collecting Virtual Reference Statistics with an IM Chat-Bot

  • Mason R.K. Hall

Journal volume & issue
no. 3
p. 85

Abstract

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A perennial problem in libraries is capturing accurate statistics. This article addresses this problem with the creative use of Web 2.0 tools: Meebo and AOL Instant Messenger. It describes the development and implementation of an instant messaging "stat-bot" that prompts staff to record virtual reference statistics via IM. Step-by-step guidelines and the perl script are provided.