the benefits of blogs

The Benefits of Blogs

Erin E. BoydCataloging/Reference Librarian

Alexandra (Lexie) AldridgeLibrary Assistant III

Rosa Parks Library, Troy University Montgomery Campus

Ladder of Participation

Benefits for Librarians

Advocacy

Blog about general library supportBlog about library fundingBlog about your library or library system

Collaboration

Ability to link library professionals from around the world

Participate in a collaborative environment with ease and speed

Share ideas and knowledge about a diverse range of topics and backgrounds with other library professionals

Education/Professional Development

• Create an online presenceo Create a mixture of personal and professional posts

• Create a place for class collaboration• Follow library veterans/experts posts• Instantly share or showcase new

research or ideas• Keeps you current with new library

technology/techniques

Education/Professional Development

• Networking opportunities• Provide a forum for discussion

o Discover different viewpointso Learn more about the posted topic(s)o Receive feedback

• Write about your experiences

Perks!

FreeEasy-to-use (no HTML knowledge)Not too time consumingAttracts tech-savvy usersCollaboration with other bloggersTagging for simple post organizationTagging for Google searches (increase blog

activity)User comment feedback

Benefits for Library Staff

andPatrons

Advocacy

Friends of the Libraryo Adultso Kids/Teens

Board of Trustees involvement

Advertising/Outreach

Offer general library informationPromote new library resources, services or

technology Extension of library display boards/casesAdvertise library events

o Book clubs, book reviews, book saleso Community or University-wide eventso Feature collections related to awards seasono Feature collections related to news eventso Lectures

Advertising/Outreach

Breakdown barriers between library staff and patronso Ask-A-Librarian section for patron write-inso Create open communication through comment

sectionso Host online book clubs through blog

posts/commentsLiaison communication (for academic libraries)Promote instruction sessions or tutoring

opportunitiesProvide a place for class collaboration

Library Staff Collaboration

Internal library departmental news blog Learn about other department’s activities Provide a communication link to all types of library

staff Opens communication

Conference reportsLibrary-wide staff involvement

Perks!

FreeEasy-to-use (no HTML knowledge)Not time consumingAttracts tech-savvy users

Create short training workshopsTagging for post organizationReceive patron feedbackCollaboration with other library staff or patrons

Finding What’s Right for You

Where Do I Start?

Finding a Blog Host

WordPress

Free Paid upgrade option (custom URL)

Integrate with Facebook and TwitterSlight learning curveFeatures mobile blogging

© 2011

Movable Type

Free Paid upgrade option

Offers screencasts & support guides

Can be used as a CMSProvides revision history and dashboard to

organize multiple sitesSlight learning curve

© 2011

TypePad

Free 14 day trial Paid site

Offers personal supportConnect with LinkedInMarketed toward

non-technical usersFeatures mobile blogging

and one click sharing

© 2011

Extras (Blog Widgets)

ClustrMaps/Site CountersFacebook badgeFlickr widgetLinkedIn badge QR Code (for mobile access) Skype Twitter feeds/badge

How Do I Keep Up?

RSS Readers Google Reader My Yahoo! Bloglines Internet Explorer Within your blog provider

Create lists for specific types of blogs

Questions?