Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cynthia Wilson

www.IMalibrarian.com

215-421-1538

Librarians in a Whole New Light

Pennsylvania Librarian Launches “www.IMaLibrarian.com”

June 19, 2006, Ardmore, PA – On June 19, 2006 Librarian, Cynthia Wilson officially released, “IMalibrarian.com” to promote virtual reference services in libraries.

The new webpage highlights the libraries within the United States who offer instant messaging as a part of their virtual reference service. Instant Messaging has been generating an exciting buzz for the industry. “The goal of the page,” said Wilson, “is to show that librarians are taking a different approach to reach their users and to give them a simple way to find the instant messaging service provided by their library.” Libraries are using a wide variety of instant messaging or virtual reference services to reach their users, the major providers include: AOL, Yahoo, MSN, QuestionPoint, Tutor, and Docutek.

Wilson created the new addition to her site as a way to give back to librarians who helped her with a project titled “I am a Librarian!” The “I am a Librarian!” project, where she surveyed and photographed librarians, began in March 2004 to help dispel stereotypes of librarians and to promote the profession. “The project truly displayed the unique generosity that comes from librarians and I wanted to do something to give back to the libraries. Promoting instant messaging seemed to be a natural connection to what I had already established.” stated Wilson. The project has also created a great deal of interest within the national media. Wilson and her work have been highlighted in such publications as American Libraries and the Petticoat Dungeon in San Francisco, CA. She also had an exhibit of the photographs at the University of West Florida, Fort Walton Beach Campus in April 2005.

Wilson holds a B.A. Degree in Communications from Beaver College (Arcadia University) and her Masters Degree in Library Science from Clarion University. She has been the Member Support Coordinator for PALINET since October 2004. “Libraries are embracing the societal change and reaching out to their users. I’m just trying to help with the promotion of the wonderful work that is done by our librarians.” said Wilson.

For more information about Wilson and to instant message your librarian, please log on to her website: www.IMalibrarian.com.

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