Thing 22 Instant Messaging

My husband is very often overseas for work and we make heavy use of skype! I love the instant messaging but as I'm usually trying to study when I'm online at home I find myself caught up in conversation and not getting much study done at all. In my current position I have no need to use this kind of application at work but I can see the benefits of conducting a brief conversation with work colleagues without having to send emails back and forth or physically getting together to discuss something.
As far as utilising this technology within the library for users to speak to us, it would be great if this function were made available to enhance our services. The uni that I study through as a distance ed student has this 'ask a librarian' service available and when I was a brand newbie mature age external student, I found it very useful. Our libraries have been addressing needs of patrons with regard to library opening hours, online resources etc and this would definitely improve and enhance our service.