Don't fence me in: LibraryH3lp staffing options

<p>Recently, we announced <a href="http://libraryh3lp.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-chat-management-features-in-your.html" target="_blank">a whole gaggle of new features for those staffing their LibraryH3lp-powered virtual reference service with Jabber (XMPP) clients</a>.  If you staff exclusively from our native webchat client, that post might have you wondering why anyone would choose something else. So we wanted to talk a bit about some of the available staffing options. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your environment, workflows, and personal preference.<br /><br />Staffing options for LibraryH3lp come in three basic flavors: <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/clients-web" target="_blank">web</a>, <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/clients-external.html" target="_blank">desktop</a>, and <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/clients-mobile.html" target="_blank">mobile</a>. In a nutshell, web clients are convenient because there is nothing to install and they run in your browser. Desktop clients are the most robust and configurable option. And mobile clients help you stay available when you're on the go using smartphones and tablets.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Staffing from a web client (like our own simple and powerful webchat client) is a fine option in many cases, especially for those who staff in shifts for a few hours here and there.  And it is a great place to begin when first starting out with LibraryH3lp.<br /><br />But you might find that a desktop client better fits your workflow.</div><div><ul><li>It's separate from your web browser, which means less clutter when chatting.</li><li>Automatic start up and sign in option, no need to remember to visit a web page to login.</li><li>Many clients automatically set your status to "away" or "offline" based on keyboard/mouse idle time.</li><li>Highly customizable sound and visual message alerts.</li></ul></div><div><br />Plus desktop clients best handle network instabilities since they have direct, specialized operating system access.  The most popular desktop clients for staffing LibraryH3lp include <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/pidgin-config.html" target="_blank">Pidgin</a>, Adium, Digsby, Jitsi, and Trillian. <br /><br />An increasing number of librarians are staffing from tablets and smartphones. For the mobile librarian, Jabber/XMPP chat apps are a great way to go.  Beyond staffing your virtual reference service from a mobile device, you could simply be available for your colleagues via the LibraryH3lp buddy list when you're on the move.  Push (background) notifications notify you of incoming messages even if your device is locked, or the app is not on top.<br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctW-Qhcq3hlVu_keKX_R2z8a9UHj3NAbMBm-jdT9kyFN6pCoYVTtnIeATbosl8Kshe6hlLpUhexWYDJcEpnMjsP3OxQhoiAXALFQnfySJSAWD7ZAmqGvDY7gt81rSZIktsHybRJ1gpA/s1600/one-team-landscape.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctW-Qhcq3hlVu_keKX_R2z8a9UHj3NAbMBm-jdT9kyFN6pCoYVTtnIeATbosl8Kshe6hlLpUhexWYDJcEpnMjsP3OxQhoiAXALFQnfySJSAWD7ZAmqGvDY7gt81rSZIktsHybRJ1gpA/s400/one-team-landscape.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Answering a chat in the One Team client for iPad.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bottom line: with LibraryH3lp, you are <a href="http://docs.libraryh3lp.com/suitable-jabber-clients.html" target="_blank">not hemmed into any one staffing interface</a>. You can mix and match on a librarian-by-librarian basis or switch between clients as part of your normal workday. And no matter which chat client you choose, you have full access to all chat management features.</p>

Recently, we announced  a whole gaggle of new features for those staffing their LibraryH3lp-powered virtual reference service with Jabber (X...