Cost information:A pared-down trial version is available for free. The tool is also included
bundled with other Microsoft Office software, as part of either 365
Business Essentials ($5/user/month) or 365 Business Premium
($12.50/user/month).
How it works: This tool is available as a downloadable software, in a web platform, and
as a mobile app, facilitating group communication, file sharing, and
integration with a number of productivity apps. Teams is scalable from a
very large organization down to a small group, with the ability to
manage members and create subgroups. Because it's a Microsoft Office
product, it naturally integrates with other Office products like
OneNote, Word, Powerpoint, etc., but there's also a sizable
developer community creating third-party integration, such as with
Adobe Creative Cloud, Twitter, and more. There are multiple chat
functions, from one-on-one messaging, to group forums, to direct
notifications.
How could it be useful in a library: Especially in larger libraries, there may be multiple discrete groups needing to keep up-to-date asynchronously. Teams makes it simple to quickly post to a group message board, chat one-on-one with members across the entire team, and track changes to group documents. It can also host videos, Wikis, and collaborative notebooks, which would make it a valuable resource for training new employees and updating part-time workers to important changes at the library. Since it's also a chat application, it could be used to communicate with staff working next to you, across the library, or at a different branch entirely!
Types of training required: The software is intuitive, and is quick to pick up for anyone familiar
with other chat/collaboration apps, though those working with the
administration side of things might benefit from some practice and/or
training videos.