Instant Messaging

I've responded to instant messages before, but never initiated them. Today I sent IMs, and in the process, learned more about Office Communicator. Instant Messaging can be seen (to paraphrase Monk) as both a gift and a curse. It is a great means of quick, efficient communication. On the other hand, it can be seen as one more interruption in our already chopped up lives. Like many things, it is a good tool, but it can be abused.
I like the idea of an IM reference service. To me, that is meeting the desires of our public. However, the name itself implies "instant" service as well as instant messaging. An IM reference service cannot be offered unless one or more librarians can be dedicated to the service for whatever hours it is in operation. And, given the economic status of most libraries, that won't happen without serious rearrangement of the budget.