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OCLC QuestionPoint release mobile chat widget for enquiries on the go

As an avid iPhone user, I'm always keen to test out new mobile technologies - especially those relating to libraries. I was really pleased when I heard that OCLC were planning to release a mobile version of their QuestionPoint chat widget to enable users to access the service from their phone. It's currently available for iPhone, Android and Palm phones and I tested it on my iPhone recently.

The Qwidget looks exactly the same when you access it via a PC/Mac, but when accessed on a supported mobile you see the following logo prompt to open a mobile version instead:



When you click on it, a new window opens with a chat screen for you to ask your question and start a new chat:



Response time was really good, and I was soon chatting with a colleague who was staffing the service that day. When a URL link from the chat is selected, it opens in a new window so that the chat is not interrupted. You can add a bookmark to the page or add it to your homescreen so that you can get directly back to it in future.

My only slight gripe was that during the chat I couldn't scroll through the conversation to see earlier comments, which I think is something users may sometimes need to do. If you want to receive a copy of the chat transcript you can enter your email address, although this option is a little hidden.

Overall, I was really impressed with how straight forward it was to use, it's definitely something I would use to get help on the go.

Jo Alcock
Joeyanne Libraryanne

Blog: www.joeyanne.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/joeyanne