IMPROVING COMMUNICATION WITH BLOGS
Alice B. Ruleman
The concept of blogs in the library has generated a good bit of interest in the past few years. Most of the information is about using external blogs to provide information and generate discussion among patrons, but blogs can also be very useful for internal communication. This chapter challenges you to look beyond your preconceived notions about blogs to think about new ways they can benefit your library.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BLOGS
Blogs have certain characteristics that set them apart from other kinds of Web 2.0 technology. Public blogs are usually the responsibility of one person and the style is informal. Blog posts appear in reverse chronological order. Although readers can make comments on the posts, the software does not permit them to edit the original posts. Many blogs are searchable, but the content is ephemeral as new posts are added and older posts are pushed farther down the list. Blogs are good tools for dialog, discussion, and brainstorming.
HOW TO CHOOSE BLOG SOFTWARE
Before selecting blogging software, you need to know what features are available and which ones you need. What are the system requirements? What about data storage, anti-spam, and user access? Weblog Matrix (www.weblogmatrix.org) can be used to compare characteristics of almost thirty blogs.
Darlene Fichter suggests considering these features:1
Archives. Are older posts stored or do they disappear?
Search. A search function turns a blog into a searchable databank.
Categories. Bloggers usually write about multiple, distinct topics. Users benefit if the topics can be divided into searchable categories.
Design/appearance. Most blog software provides a gallery of templates. Some let you create your own.
Plug-ins. Many blog programs offer plug-ins to give more control and functionality. For example, the optional WordPress plug-in “Get Recent Comments” displays current comments in the sidebar of your blog according to the criteria you set up.
Community tools. These tools control who can see it and who can leave comments.
BLOG USES IN LIBRARIES
Most of us are familiar with public blogs on the Internet, which share information about everything from what the kids and pets did today to philosophical musing and political commentary. In libraries, blogs can be used by the institution or groups on work-related topics. Here are some possible uses.
Director’s blog. A blog is a good medium for library and department heads to keep the staff informed about changes, events, and so forth. A recent e-mail communication from the dean at the University of Central Missouri included an update on the long awaited construction of a café in the library. Replacing the e-mail with a blog would be a good mechanism to encourage questions and discussion about topics that matter to the staff.
Staff blog. Tarleton State University (Texas) uses Blogger for the staff to cover helpful information that does not need to be in their wiki. For instance, a cataloging librarian posted information about a change in the item types on theses and dissertations that simplified searching for them in the OPAC. A staff blog can include links to articles, questions, opinions, or even fun things. Blogger was also the choice at Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) for the reference desk and circulation staff blogs. Although the circulation blog has been well received by the staff and student workers, the reference blog is not used as frequently.
Technical information. When the Allen Memorial Library at the University of Hartford (Connecticut) migrated from Voyager to Koha, a blog was set up to inform the staff about the process. Once Koha was in place, the blog continued to be used to give updates on problems, new developments, and planned improvements.
Reference desk blog. WordPress was selected by Bowling Green State University (Ohio) for its RefBlog, and it has proved to be an effective communication tool. Reading the current postings is part of the routine for everyone when their desk shift begins. Changes in procedures, general library information, electronic resources updates, problem reports, assignments or tasks for students, and tips on recent tricky reference questions are posted. Reference services on Grant MacEwan University’s (Alberta) campuses use DRUPAL. Information specific to one campus (e.g., the copier is not working) is restricted to that campus, but other information is shared with all.
IF YOU BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME?
As with any new program, it can take time for blogs to catch on. At Cisco Systems, Jere King, vice president of marketing, has emerged as one of the most popular bloggers in the company. She shared the following tips for successful blogs, which libraries can adapt.2
TO BLOG OR TO WIKI? THAT IS THE QUESTION
Blogs and wikis both provide excellent means of interacting and communicating with other people. Although there are perceived and real differences between the two kinds of software, many times they can be used interchangeably. Academic libraries have successfully used blogs, wikis, and course management systems (e.g., Blackboard for student worker communication using the same basic content). Make your decision based on your project’s specific needs.
Several years ago, Bob Doyle stated that “novel uses of blogs and wikis are rampant.”3 Today, you can still be creative. This chapter mentions a few uses in libraries, but you are not limited to these ideas. If you think your committee, team, or library could benefit from a blog, don’t be afraid to try something new.
1. Darlene Fichter, “Why and How to Use Blogs to Promote Your Library’s Services,” Marketing Library Services 19, no. 6 (2003): 1–4, www.infotoday.com/mls/nov03/fichter.shtml.
2. Krishna Sanker and Susan A. Bouchard, “Web 2.0 @ Cisco: The Evolution,” May 4, 2009, www.ciscopress.com/articles/printerfriendly.asp?p=1336793.
3. Bob Doyle, “When to Wiki, When to Blog,” Econtent Magazine, July 11, 2006, www.econtentmag.com/Articles/Column/I-Column-Like-I-CM/When-to-Wiki-When-to-Blog-16900.htm.