The Benefits of Blogs

Alexandra AldridgeAlexandra.Aldridge@eagles.usm.edu

LIS 557: Computer Applications in Libraries

Ladder of Participation

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Benefits for Librarians

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Advocacy

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Benefits for Library Staff

andPatrons

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Advocacy

Friends of the Libraryo Adultso Kids/Teens

Board of Trustees involvement

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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

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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

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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

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Perks!

FreeEasy-to-use (no HTML

knowledge)Not time consumingAttracts tech-savvy

users Create short training

workshops

Tagging for post organization

Receive patron feedback

Collaboration with other library staff or patrons

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Finding What’s Right for You

Where Do I Start?

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Finding a Blog Host

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Retrieved from: Wordlehttp://www.wordle.net/

WordPress

Free Paid upgrade option (custom URL)

Integrate with Facebook and TwitterSlight learning curveFeatures mobile blogging

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Retrieved from: WordPresshttp://wordpress.com/

Blogger

FreeUser-friendlySign in with your

Google account

© 2011

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Retrieved from: Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com

Tumblr

FreeUser-friendlyCreated for

short blog postsor picture posts

Features mobileblogging

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Retrieved from: Tumblrhttps://www.tumblr.com/

Facebook Notes

Free with a Facebook accountUser-friendly

© 2011

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Retrieved from: Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/

LiveJournal

Free Paid upgrade option

Sign in with your Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc…

User-friendly

© 2011

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Retrieved from: LiveJournalhttps://www.livejournal.com/

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

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Retrieved from: Movable Typehttp://www.movabletype.org/

TypePad

Free 14 day trial Paid site

Offers personal supportConnect with LinkedInMarketed toward

non-technical usersFeatures mobile blogging

and one click sharing

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Retrieved from: TypePadhttp://www.typepad.com/

Extras (Blog Widgets)

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

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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

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Retrieved from: Googlehttp://www.google.com/

Questions?

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Thank you for your attention!