I know most libraries are still working on a text-based, instant messaging reference service, but others keep pushing the envelope. For example, last week at the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Conference, Char Booth from Ohio University's Alden Library did a short presentation about a video IM reference service pilot project they've implemented.

You can view the slides from her presentation here to get a sense of what they're doing. I wish I had been there to hear Char add context, though. Perhaps she'll make a video explaining some of the details. :-p

I kid her because Char is one of the "emerging leaders" on the project for which I am the staff liaison, but I'm not really kidding. Char makes me feel old and fuddy-duddy with her wealth of knowledge about truly new tools and technologies.

And hey, is that Chad Boeninger in a couple of the slides? :) Why, I do believe it is. In fact, check out this class Char and Chad taught in February - Library Workshops: Social Software Basics. "In addition to showing how to use these resources, participants will discuss how these resources can be used to build online communities and their implications for the classroom."

Apparently they're doing a lot with video over there, too - check out this Video Tutorial: Adding Library Resources to Blackboard Courses and the Ask the Techies vidcast.