MeeboMe seems to have problems running in IE on a networked thin-client system like the library I work for has; it just kind of hangs as if it is trying to connect, but never does. Switching browsers to Mozilla or Netscape (if that’s an option) seems to work here. It’s probably more a bug in our system than Meebo’s. Thanks F.L. for the heads up!
I think it’s a great resource for libraries looking to connect with patron and other staff.
Another option for libraries looking for a LOCAL live chat reference component, and don’t want to spend a fortune is a support chat web application like PHP Live! . It’s a pretty straightforward chat app designed for support and sales with the download option running betwwen $89 and $350. With a little PHP and MySQL knowledge, a library could really adapt one of these web support apps to offer web based chat staffed by local librarians.