Thing 7 part 1

For this one, I didn't have to do much extra reading, since I've had email for over 10 years, and at present have - let's see - 4 various email accounts. I only use two for "everyday" and the Yahoo and Google basically came with the package of what else I'm doing with Yahoo and Google. I love email and use it all the time. We use it now to keep in touch with far-flung family and friends. I also use my work email to keep up on some of the listservs I belong to, and to communicate back and forth with colleagues both in my building and in other branches of my library system. My library uses email reference extensively and customers love it. We answer questions from all over the world. It saves customers time, but limits do need to be put on how many requests/questions etc can be submitted in a day.
I've been using IM for years too, and still use it almost daily. It's a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, again. We have the capability here at work, but sometimes it's easier to just shoot off an email, so I can remember what we were talking about - especially if it's planning something. Some of my library school classmates and I im regularly to keep up with each other (we also use facebook for that...) IM for reference is good for quick questions, but usually ends up being quite cumbersome for involved or lengthy questions. It also may depend on the customer's computer skills and capabilities. I haven't installed Meebo yet but probably will.
I use text messaging every day. In fact, I had to go with the 500 message option on my phone plan since I often ended up going over my initial "allotment." I use it for family and friends, but haven't used it for work.