A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for customizing and consolidating bookmarks into folders in an Instant Messaging (IM) environment as well as an Internet browser. An IM GUI is provided that contains IM contacts and online information for those IM contacts, such as Web searches or bookmarks, which can be accessed by the user. Sorting of the IM contacts by a specific subject matter or category is provided as well as prioritizing of IM contacts based on subject matter expertise or frequently visited bookmarks. Searching of information contained in the IM environment as well as the Internet is also provided.