SocialCompare
Link
ZohoDigsbyLibraryH3lpQuestionPointLibChat
Websitezoho.com/...digsby.comlibraryh3lp.comquestionpoint.orgspringshare.com/...
PricingFreeFreepopulation-based, starting at $180/yr 20,001 - 25,000 students: $540 US annually; 25,001 - 30,000students: $600 US annually (Free trial available)Dependent on student population and package. (Participate in reference co-op?)Dependent on student population. (Waiting for quote.)
EmbeddableYes Widget - similar to meeboYes Widget - similar to meeboYes Widget (includes "float over" and "pop out" options)Yes WidgetYes Widget
Multiple UsersYes - Live Support OptionEach department/user would have to sign up for their own Digsby account.Yes (unlimited concurrent operators in all subscriptions)YesYes
Help Guides & Instructional MaterialLive chat supportGetting Started guide and support forum. digsby.com/...Instructional videos and documentation. Guidelines for switching from Meebo available: libraryh3lp.com/... and blogspot.ca/...QuestionPoint Librarian training: questionpoint.org/...Webinars, instructional documentation and online training offered.
Chat transcriptsYes - Can be deletedYes - can be deletedYes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deletedYes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deletedYes - can be emailed to patron after chat - can be deleted
Privacy featuresSSL; chat history can be purgeddigsby.com/... Chat history can be deletedLibrary can purge its own data independently; anonymize identifying information; SSL encryption; no ads; no data miningPatron data securely stored in Springshare database; purge on request; SMS numbers never displayed; "We will never sell, distribute, or misuse patron information in any way"
Privacy (Both staff and public)Staff may log on anonymously (i.e. "Ask a librarian"); Users are asked to submit names or aliases.Both staff and public can remain anonymous.Both staff and public can remain anonymous.Staff can remain anonymous. Library sets up how much information users must share to chat with staff.Both staff and public can remain anonymous.
Stats/report generationNoNoYes Extensive reporting tools available; stats also available via API.YesYes Extensive analytical tools. http://www.springshare.com/libanswers/features.html
File attachment- can only send to registered Zoho usersNoYes 20 meg max- ?No
Customizable appearanceYesNoYesYesYes
Customizable notifications- Simple status updates only; no pop-up notificationsYes Status or offline updatesYes Standard away message or hide widget when offlineYesYes
Host (Canada or other?)U.S.U.S.Servers in U.S., Canada, Europe, and SingaporeU.S.U.S. Also includes a free custom domain of your choice (e.g., answers.school.edu, or reference.yourlib.org)
Networks supportedGoogle, Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, MySpace, JabberGoogle, Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, AIM, ICQ, MySpace, JabberAIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Facebook, XMPP/JabberNone?None: not based on Jabber protocol
Cross-platformAll major browsersAll major browsersAll major browsersAll major browsersAll major browsers
Transfer chatsNoNoYes- Concordia reported difficulty with chat transfers.Yes
Other Libraries Using PlatformEaster Library clearwater.edu/...Nazareth naz.edu/...UWO: lib.uwo.ca ; University of Manitoba: umanitoba.ca/...Concordia: concordia.ca/... ; Douglas College douglas.bc.ca/...LibChat is not yet fully functional. They plan to have LibChat functioning before Meebo is retired.
TrialNoYes 90 daysYes
Notable FeaturesDifferent staff members can have their own Zoho account with their name and share responsibility for taking chats.Extensive documentation on easy switch over from Meebo.24/7 Reference co-op (optional)LibChat comes with LibAnswers. Library can create a FAQ section using questions asked.