Public Libraries and Blogs
From LIS5313
A report by Matthew Robertson
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Weblogs or blogs allow the regular computer user a platform for providing content in a timely manner. A blog "uses a date-limited or diary format, which is updated either daily or at regular intervals with new information about a subject, range of subjects, or personal details" (Natarajan, 2007). Using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) blogs can be subscribed to and the blog audience can be informed of updates. What does all of this have to do with libraries? Libraries have jumped onto the blog bandwagon sensing the possibility of this tool to better communicate with patrons and staff.
[edit] Blogs in the Library
Libraries can use blogs in a variety of ways to maximize communication both internally and externally. Blogs can act as a message board between staff members allowing conversations to take place without clogging the inbox of your email account. Resources can be shared in a timely fashion on the blog and with proper tagging can be retrieved at a later date. Internal dialogues can be fostered and library policies discussed with the option of anonymity. I work in the Virginia Beach Public Library System and the Library and Communications Development Team recently employed a blog to assist with their mission "to promote learning experiences and facilitate improving communication in order to create a shared understanding of internal Library and city-wide topics, strategies and issues"(http://vbpltalks.blogspot.com/). The notable difference between the old delivery system of intranet and the new way of the blog is the forum created where conversations can take place among staff members. Email and other forms of communication will not be replaced rather enhanced by the addition of a blog.
Blogs directed to the patron can serve many functions. Brookover writes, "well-written, frequently updated public blogs help librarians relate to their patrons, generate support for new building initiatives, and market programs, collections, and services" (2007). These are the same services the library traditionally provides and now they can be delivered via the blog and accessed at the patron's convenience. "The blog complements other, well-established communication tools" reaching a younger more tech-savvy generation that is more comfortable with this medium (Brookover, 2007). Let me share with you two examples of public libraries using blogs as a point of contact with their patrons.
[edit] Twin Lakes Library System
The Twin Lakes Library System in Milledgeville, GA debuted a blogin December 2006 as a low-cost way to reach more of their patron base. Recent posts include the announcement of a library-sponsored writing contest, employee of the month and a plug for the annual Library Fair. Although the only comments I noticed to the posts were obvious spam the blog content is informative and engaging. The text-based content provides another platform for library information directed at the typical adult patron. Latoya Davidson, Assistant Director of the Twin Lakes Library System explained that the library is always looking for new ways to engage their patrons and a blog is a natural extension of the library service. Since some of the staff had personal blogs it did not require any extra training to get the libray blog up and running. Not only can staff achievements be celebrated but library programs are promoted by an alternative means of communication.
Although not a blog I found the Libray Director's message board to embrace the blog-like qualities of transparency and feedback. The Director takes the patron notes left in the suggestion box and gives a full-response to try and address the issue of concern. If I were a patron I would appreciate the response and the publicity demonstrates that when problems are reported the management is open to the criticism and willing to answer the complaint in an open forum. An added bonus is this humorous post and response: Patron-"I love me. Whatever." Director's Response-"I'm happy for you! Good self-esteem is essential to success in life. Thanks for sharing." Integrating these exchanges into a blog and allowing patron feedback to the response would add pertinant content to the blog and give patrons a chance to respond and continue the conversation.
There are however concerns about the future of the blog. Practically no comments have been left on the blog posts by either patrons or staff in the year since they went live with the blog. And although any staff member can post on the blog only three staff members have taken the opportunity. Ms. Davidson informed me that their library director brought up the blog's future at a recent staff meeting. No decision has been made as of yet though the efforts put forth in maintaining the blog may be directed into other areas. Since Twin Lakes also has a MySpace page,wiki and message board their online presence may be more than what the community can support.
[edit] Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor District Library's (AADL) website is a series of blogs that keeps ever streaming current content always on the front page. Director Josie Parker says, "We wanted our web site to be interactive with the public and chose blogs as the major form of communication. The major point is to make the library transparent"(Rogers, 2005). Looking at the different blogs offered by AADL one definitely gets that sense of openness and sharing. The Director's blog addresses community concerns and shares happenings that effect the library at large. The most recent posttalks about the move from disposable plastic bags to reusable cotton totes. The change is commendable but what is even more remarkable is the dialogue started by the post. Thirty-seven comments have been made to the post ranging from gratitude to customer frustration with the director offering feedback throughout. This is the kind of conversation perfect for the blog: patrons can give comments whenever they would like from wherever they may have internet access. Also this can be an extended exchange. This particular post by the director received comments for the next two weeks.
AADL's Books blog takes a time-honored library practice, book recommendations, and brings it to the age of the internet. Not only is the library collection showcased but patrons are provided a service that keeps them informed of new releases and gives them opportunities to learn more about the subject matter through relevant hyperlinks. Companion services recommending audio selections and highlighting new videos can be found at the Audio and Video blogs. All three had been updated recently with posts being written by many different people covering a wide variety of topics.
Of all the blogs written upon by AADL my favorite is by far the teen-centered Gaming blog. And its not because of the content. The announcing of the next tournament and review of the latest gaming action are fine examples of good blog material but the amount of comments generated by the posts are the signs of a blog in full bloom. Most blog entries had garnered a minimum of fifty comments with this one reaching a whopping 345 comments! The magic of this particular post is that it links to a podcast created by two library patrons at the library. Allowing patrons to create digital content at the library and then using that content to fuel the library blog and inspire community interaction highlights the wonderful possibilities inherent in Web 2.0 technology.
[edit] Does Your Library Need a Blog?
This is the question every public library system should ask before dedicating massive amounts of time and energy to the creation and maintenance of a blog. Take the time to research how other public libraries are using blogs and ask questions about the patron response and staff time committment. Perhaps your library already has a fairly robust website and the content that would be posted in the blog is already featured on the site. Maybe you do not have staff that are willing to consistently post new material or do not have the time or resources to take on a new project. If you've asked these questions of your library then I'll offer some other issues to consider before launching your own blog.
- There needs to be a purpose behind your blog. If the blog is to be kept internal then what are the benefits of putting the information on the blog rather than an intranet or email? If the blog will be made public, what content will drive the site and who will contribute?
- Make sure that you have an audience in mind. Who will benefit from accessing the content on your site? Is there a possible secondary audience that you may not have considered?
- One of the minimum requirements of a successful, widely read blog is new and engaging content. Blair and Cranston offer this great advice: "Establish guidelines for posting regularly and be realistic about the amount of time that you can sustainably invest"(2006). A paragraph for a blog post is not an unreasonable goal but having to write a post every day may be a burden too heavy for one person to carry. Which leads to the next issue to consider...
- Get staff buy-in. Give your staff great examples of libraries that are successfully utilizing the capabilities of a blog. Talk to co-workers and your boss about how the traditional library services can be enhanced by giving the public a new resource and sounding board. Find staff that are willing to contribute and excited about exploring a new technology.
- Remember to have fun. Need I say more?
[edit] Conclusion
With the advent of the blog libraries have been given a simple yet effective communication tool to reach both patrons and staff. No longer do information staff need to slog through HTML or hire a computer programmer to creatively engage patrons via the internet. With a few simple steps the library can have a companion piece to their website that allows patron feedback and provides timely information. Many public libraries have already taken the step to create a blog and found both success and setbacks. Learn from their experience and go forth into the blogosphere!
[edit] Media Component
To get you started on your way I have created a short tutorial guiding you through the steps to set up and post on a blog.
[edit] Resources
Ann Arbor District Library: Homepage for the library.
Blogging Libraries Wiki: A list of libraries that uses blogs.
Twin Lakes Library System:Homepage of the Twin Lakes Library System.
Twin Lakes Library System blog: The blog of the Twin Lakes Library System.
Twin Lakes Library System Director's Message Board: The Twin Lake's Library Director responds to patron comments put in the suggestion box.
VBPL Talks: Internal blog of the Library and Communications Development Team of the Virginia Beach Public Library.
[edit] References
Blair, Joanna and Cranston, Cathy (2006). Preparing for the birth of our library. Computers in Libraries. 26 (2), p.10-13, 54.
Brookover, Sophie. (2007). Why we blog. Library Journal.Available at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497263.html?q=why+we+blog [accessed 1 December 2007]
Fichter, Darlene. (2003). Why and how to use blogs to promote your library's services. Available at http://www.infotoday.com/MLS/nov03/fichter.shtml [accessed 1 December 2007]
Kajewski, Mary A. (2006). Emerging technologies changing public library service delivery models. APLIS, 19 (40), p.157-63.
Natarajan, M. (2007). Blogs: a powerful tool for accessing information. DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology. 27 (3), p.13-20.
Rogers, Michael (ed.). (2005). Ann Arbor's web site maximizes blogging software. Library Journal. 130 (14), p.27.
