What desktop clients are available for staffing chat?

Any desktop chat client that supports the XMPP (Jabber) chat protocol can be used to staff the service and answer chats. These clients are available across all platforms.

Desktop clients require local software installation, but they are highly configurable for settings like new message alerts and automatic away status after idle time. They are more robust than web clients. They will often automatically reconnect your account after network disruptions.

To transfer, send a file to a guest, or email a transcript, operators need to follow the chat management link that comes in at the beginning of each chat. Below is an example of what this looks like in the Pidgin desktop client:

Specific Clients

• Pidgin works well on the PC and Linux and is the mostly widely-used desktop client.
  • Detailed Pidgin configuration information
  • Pidgin plugins: Download and read about popular Pidgin plugins
• Adium works well on the Mac but needs to have a template file updated in order to scroll properly.
  • Adium account setup:
    • Adium configuration: File-->Add Account-->Jabber; use your full LibraryH3lp address for the account name (name@libraryh3lp.com).
    • In Options, you want to set Presence Subscriptions to Accept and Add to List, and you want to provide a group for the "...add to list in group" option.
  • Template fix for scrolling:
    • Exit Adium fully.
    • Download this replacement template file (right-click, Save As...)
      • NOTE: this file will not display properly in a web browser even though it has a .html extension.  You must save it and copy it in place as detailed below.
    • Use the downloaded file to replace the existing one.
      • Open Finder.
      • In Applications, right-click on the Adium icon and pick "Show Package Contents"
      • Double click on the Contents folder.
      • Double click on the Resources folder.
      • Replace the existing Template.html file with the file you downloaded earlier.
    • Start Adium and chat windows should automatically scroll to the bottom on when new messages are sent.
    • This fix works when using the default message style (Stockholm).  You might need to edit other files as well if using a different message style. 
• Psi works well on the Mac, PC, and Linux.
  • Detailed Psi configuration information

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