Blogging Libraries

"What are some of the things libraries should consider before starting a blog?"

As previously discussed, libraries need to enter the world of online social networking, whether it involves creating a Facebook page, a Twitter account, or a (number of) blogs. Not only does creating an online brand for a library entice new patrons through marketing techniques that highlight what the branch has to offer, an online presence will improve the human quality of the library website.

However, there are many things that need to be considered before your library whips out a blog. Farkas (2007) summarizes this succinctly: "What is the focus of your blog? What are your software needs?...What amount of interactivity do you want? How will you get people to read it?" (p. 19).

With Farkas' first point comes the question of how many blogs will the library make. Will there be an over-arching "Insert-library-name-here Blog" and, if so, will one person write it or will it be a collaborative effort? Or will there be multiple blogs targeting children, young adults, and seniors? Blogs can also target subjects rather than specific age groups, such as music and movie blogs or book review blogs. Of course, the number of staff members who are willing to participate in the blog project will also impact the focus and amount of library blogs. This will also effect how often the blog will be updated.

Software is not as much of an issue nowadays with the multitude of public blogging websites such as Blogger and Wordpress. Libraries will most likely not have the time to construct a library blog website. Hosting, however, is an issue. Rather than relying on outside organizations to host the library blog, it may be safer to keep it part of the main library website. For example, the San Mateo County Library website hosts its staff members' blog posts. This allows patrons to browse the catalog and almost seamlessly read staff posts.

Interactivity is an important aspect of planning a library blog. As shown on other social media tools, interactivity and creating conversation is one of the aspects of a successful tool. Blogs are not exempt and enabling patrons to comment not only allows for libraries to receive feedback but also provides a method of keeping of track of the blog readers. It also allows patrons to hold conversations with librarians and other patrons. However, libraries need to discuss whether comments will be filtered or if they will be posted instantly. Instant gratification (and instant posting) rather than the chance to have their comments filtered (and possible refused) seems like the more likely choice but then allows for the possibility of profanities or spam being shown to all viewers.

Lastly, after staff have decided on the focus, authors, platform, and interactivity of their soon-to-be blog, they must discuss how it will be marketed to their patrons. The library can send an email to patrons, print handouts for the circulation desk, make bookmarks to put into holds, and, of course, highlight it on the library web page (Farkas, 2007, 25-26).

Farkas, M. G. (2007). Social software in libraries: Building collaboration, communication, and community online. United States of America: Information Today, Inc.